There’s a day for just about everything on the calendar, including fresh breath. In just a few days, it will be National Fresh Breath Day – but it may not be a cause for celebration if you struggle with halitosis (chronic bad breath). The good news is, we can help you fight bad breath!
Check out our tips, then call Bell Dental Group at 513-802-9440 if you need a dental cleaning or would like to talk to us in more detail about treatments to eliminate bad breath.
You should:
- Brush and Floss Daily – Brushing and flossing every day is the best way to remove bacteria-filled plaque, the substance that causes bad breath, from your teeth. To add more bacteria-fighting power, you can use an antibacterial mouth rinse. Always brush your tongue, an area where bacteria collects.
- Visit Us for Cleanings and Exams – No matter how well you brush at home, you’re bound to miss some spots. That’s why you need to see us every six months for a professional cleaning. We’ll find and eliminate any bacteria in the hidden nooks and crannies of your mouth. We’ll also examine you for issues that may be the underlying cause of your bad breath.
- Keep Saliva Flowing – Since saliva washes away bacteria, it’s a natural breath freshener. Drink plenty of water. To further enhance saliva production, suck on sugarless mints or chew sugarless gum.
- Stop Smoking – If you need another reason to quit smoking, doing so will help improve your breath. That’s because smoking dries up your saliva. The smoke that lingers in your mouth also smells bad. And chemicals in tobacco products mix with your saliva and create an unpleasant odor.
- Treat Gum Disease and Other Problems – Dental problems can cause bad breath, notably gum disease. We can eliminate gum disease with deep cleaning treatments and antibiotics. Tooth decay also can cause bad breath, as can infection. If you suspect you have a cavity or you have a toothache, call us ASAP.
- Keep Aligners and Dentures Clean – Bacteria tends to collect on dentures and orthodontic aligners. So make sure you keep yours clean.
- Modify Your Diet – You know garlic and onions can cause foul breath, but other foods can too. Bacteria love highly acidic substances, including citrus fruits. So rinse your mouth with water after consuming acidic food or drink. Similarly, dairy products contain substances that interact with bacteria. Again, rinsing with water is helpful. Water is a good way to wash away problematic substances.
Ready to fight bad breath? Call Bell Dental Group at 513-802-9440 to schedule your next cleaning or other breath-freshening service in Cincinnati.