Nobody likes bad breath. It’s horrible for the people that have to smell it and it’s embarrassing for the person that suffers from the affliction. We all know someone that we try to avoid standing too close to because every utterance brings a spray of foul smelling air.
Luckily, if you happen to suffer from bad breath, there is a lot you can do to improve the situation—halitosis doesn’t have to be a life sentence. Here’s how you can make sure you don’t suffer from bad breath or, at the very least, make your breath a little fresher.
Get A Better Dental Health Routine
It’s surprising how often people complain about having bad breath only to find that they don’t brush and floss twice a day. This is the easiest way to improve the smell of your breath. A failure to brush and floss twice a day allows plaque and bad-breath-causing-bacteria to build up. The other problem with plaque is that it attracts food particles, which get stuck on the teeth and rot, contributing to the odour. The other thing you can do is visit the dentist twice a year for a scale and clean. This professional clean gets rid of all the plaque and tartar that regular brushing and flossing just can’t remove. So make the most of your private health care and get along for those two free check-ups a year.Use Mouthwash
If you haven’t included mouthwash in your dental care repertoire, and people are commenting on your breath, it’s probably time to do so. Make sure you choose an antibacterial mouthwash that kills the germs that cause bad breath, rather than those that simply cover up or mask the smell.Invest in a Tongue Scraper
People often forget about their tongues when they think about their dental health. The coating that forms on your tongue is a great place for bad-breath-causing bacteria to nestle. Tongue scrapers are fairly easy to find and they work by moving all the bacteria, dead cells and food scraps from the back of your tongue to the front, so you can easily rinse out your mouth, and spit out these particles. Some toothbrushes include a tongue scraper on the back of the head but metal tongue-scrapers are far more effective at removing the bacteria instead of just moving them around.Quit Smoking
If you’re a smoker and people complain about your breath you’ve got a pretty obvious way to improve the smell – quit! Nicotine tends to stick to the surfaces of your mouth and throat and every time you talk, or breathe, that ashtray smell will make itself known.Make Sensible Food Choices
If you’re susceptible to bad breath you need to put a bit more thought into what you eat. Alliums like garlic and onion tend to make halitosis worse and you can’t brush or rinse the smell away. That’s because the smells actually seep into your bloodstream, making its way into your lungs. Once it is in there, the smell it creates will come out with every breath. So, if you want fresh breath, it may be time to lay off or cut back on that garlic bread.Keep a Pack Of Gum On You
Regularly chewing gum promotes increased saliva in your mouth and this, combined with the minty smell, will work to improve your breath. Increased saliva helps to break down the plaque acids that cause both bad breath and tooth decay.Look After Your Gums
Gingivitis and advanced forms of gum disease are common culprits when it comes to halitosis (as well as a whole host of dental problems, including tooth loss). Regular visits to the dentist are the best way of preventing gum disease, which only a dentist and dental hygienist can treat.See Your Dentist
If the problem persists despite your best efforts, make sure you visit your dentist. Something sinister could be at play. Your dentist may even refer you to a doctor as serious problems such as diabetes, liver problems and chronic acid reflux may be causing your bad breath. So, there are your tips towards enjoying fresh breath. Don’t suffer any longer or endure the constant turning away of loved ones. There are lots of things you can do about it. In fact, a bout of halitosis may be a healthy reminder that you need to improve upon your current dental health regime and if that’s the kick you need to start brushing, flossing and rinsing every day, then maybe bad breath isn’t so bad at all. If you have any questions about bad breath or would like to make an appointment please contact us.Dr. Anna Chau, BDSc (Hons) from the University of Melbourne, is a skilled dentist in Camberwell with 18 years of experience in both private and public practices. She has specialized training in cosmetic, implant, and laser dentistry and has taught at her alma mater. Dr. Anna Chau is committed to advancing dental care and promoting healthy habits among children through local volunteer work.