Everyone wants to make a great impression in social situations. However, bad breath, or halitosis, is a surefire way to do just the opposite. Bad breath not only puts people off, it can lower your self-confidence and become a stigma. If you have problems with bad breath or think you might suffer from the condition, follow the tips below for a fresh change.
Do You Have Bad Breath? Unfortunately, due to the way our sense of smell functions, it’s not always easy to tell if you have bad breath yourself, although it’s very apparent if someone near us is suffering from it. If you think you might have chronic bad breath, ask a trusted friend or family member. They’ll give you a straight answer. Also, don’t hesitate to ask your dental professional. They won’t judge you, but rather try to help.
Practice Proper Dental Care The best cure for bad breath is very straightforward – simply floss and brush twice a day! Keeping your mouth clean will minimize the bacteria that thrive there. These are the same bacteria that cause bad breath. So brush, floss, and visit your dentist at least twice a year to take the first step to fresh breath.
Use Mouthwash Using an antiseptic mouthwash after you brush not only promotes dental health, but helps kill those bad breath germs as well. Remember to swish for about 2 minutes before spitting and pick a mouthwash that actually kills germs rather than just whitening your teeth.
Watch Your Diet Certain foods lend themselves to bad breath due to their strong nature. Of course, you’ll want to avoid eating things like onions, garlic, and curry before a social situation. Save those dishes for a night at home.
Yet, there are some foods that contribute to unpleasant breath that might surprise you. These include acidic foods and sugary treats. These substances tend to dry your mouth, which promotes the growth of bacteria. Saliva is actually very important. It doesn’t just moisten your food before swallowing, it also washes away bacteria clinging to the inside of your mouth. If you’re having trouble with a dry mouth, try chewing sugarless gum or mints. If that doesn’t work, it’s time to consult with your dentist.
Brush Your Tongue When flossing and brushing twice a day, don’t forget your tongue. Although it’s easy to overlook, your tongue can harbour bacteria just like the rest of your mouth. Eliminate those bad breath germs by giving your tongue a good scrubbing.
Avoid Tobacco Nothing smells worse than an “ashtray mouth.” People can tell if you’ve had a cigarette even hours earlier, just by the odour. For the sake of your dental health, your overall health, and your breath – stop smoking.
See Your Dentist If you are having difficulties with bad breath or simply want some advice, there is no better source than your dentist. They’ll be able to give you guidance and treatment options to manage your halitosis and restore your self-confidence, not to mention your pleasant fragrance.
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