To combat bad breath, try the following:
·
Avoid foods and
beverages that you know cause bad breath; this may also mean minimizing your
intake of alcohol.
·
Brush for two to
three minutes after every meal and floss your teeth at least once a day.
·
Brush your tongue
gently to remove dead cells, including the back of your tongue, because that's
where bacteria often collect.
·
Drink lots of water
to keep your mouth moist and clean. And water really is what's best here: Other
beverages, particularly caffeinated beverages, don't work as well as water for
halitosis treatment and prevention.
·
Eat less meat and
more vegetables and fruits each day.
·
Get dental checkups at least twice a year
that include an exam and cleaning.
·
If you wear
dentures, bridges, or removable braces, clean them thoroughly at least once a
day.
·
Suck candy or chew
gum (preferably sugarless) to stimulate saliva production, which helps wash
away food particles and bacteria.
When to See Your
Dentist about Bad Breath
If you still feel
like you have bad breath after trying these tips, ask someone who is close to
you for confirmation. Sometimes, you really are your own worst critic. If it is
indeed an issue, make an appointment with your dentist to try to uncover what
could be causing your bad breath.
Avoid drinking,
eating, chewing gum, or brushing your teeth before your dental appointment.
Skip the perfume or other scented products too, so that your dentist can truly
assess your halitosis. Your dentist will likely ask you a number of questions,
ranging from your dental hygiene habits to your general health.
In some cases,
halitosis may be due to a buildup of plaque, which is a layer of bacteria on
your teeth. If this is the case, the dentist may have you use a special
antimicrobial mouth rinse.
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