Tips for Preventing Bad Breath

Bad breath is an awful burden to bear.  If you are plagued by bad breath, you will hesitate to open your mouth in public to talk, laugh or even yawn.  In this day and age, there is no reason for anyone to live with bad breath.

Let's take a look at some of the best ways to prevent bad breath.

Dedicate Yourself to Keeping Your Mouth Clean

Maintaining a clean mouth means brushing your chompers after each meal.  The primary cause of bad breath is the buildup of bits of food in the mouth.  These little pieces of food wedge themselves between the teeth, gums and tongue.  The same phenomenon that occurs when you leave food out of the fridge occurs when food particles are allowed to accumulate in your mouth.

You can prevent this terrible odor by brushing your teeth after each meal.  Bring a toothbrush and toothpaste with you.  It will also help to store these essential dental tools in your purse, desk drawer, vehicle glove compartment and gym bag so you can clean your mouth regardless of your location.  

Consider Using an Oral Irrigator

An oral irrigator is a hand-held dental device that relies on rapid pulses of water dispersed in jet streams.  This water flushes out the nasty bacteria in your mouth.  It provides a deeper clean than flossing and brushing.  Oral irrigators will help perform the thorough clean necessary to eliminate all of those little food particles stuck in your mouth that lead to bad breath.

Soak Your Dentures

Those who wear dentures should know these nifty dental devices have the potential to cause bad breath.  Your dentures might absorb the unpleasant odors in your mouth.  Soak your dentures each night in an antiseptic solution to keep them clean and smelling nice.

Hydrate

Your mouth needs continuous hydration to form saliva.  Saliva is essential to combating the formation of bacteria.  Do whatever is necessary to keep your mouth moist.  Bring water with you wherever you go.  It will also help to eat throughout the day as skipping a meal can also spur an overly-dry mouth.  

Make Use of Parsley

Get into the habit of buying parsley at the store.  Eat a parsley sprig after your lunches and/or dinners.  Parsley is loaded with chlorophyll. This is a breath deodorizer that also helps combat germs to boot.  Even consuming an orange will help catalyze the salivary glands into action, lead to saliva formation and help the teeth remain clean and fresh.

Consider if Your Medication is the Culprit

Certain medications are the cause of bad breath.  Consult with your dentist and/or doctor to determine if your medication is the true cause of your halitosis.  The bottom line is any medication that dries out the mouth prevents saliva from forming and might be the true reason why your breath does not smell fresh.

Anything from prescription drugs for high blood pressure or depression to decongestants, diet pills and antihistamines can lead to dry mouth and subsequent odors.

Call us at (619) 805-4248 for more information from Mission Valley Dental Arts or to schedule an appointment in our dentist office in San Diego.