Nobody wants to be the person who everyone avoids talking to because of the fear of encountering unpleasant breath. If this has become your reality, then your dentist in Hancock Park is here to offer some helpful tips to prevent offensive odors and elevate your oral health. Read on to learn more!
Brush and Floss More Regularly
When you brush and floss your teeth, you are not only taking steps to freshen your breath, you are also fighting bacteria that can cause a host of problems like gum disease, tooth loss and oral cancer. The two most important forms of hygiene to practice are brushing and flossing your teeth at least two times a day. Consistently using both techniques will ensure that your oral cavity will be fresh, clean and as healthy as it can be.
Rinse Your Mouth
Along with brushing your teeth, you can use mouthwash to keep your breath fresh. It supports your oral hygiene in two ways:
- It washes away leftover food that could contribute to sour breath.
- Mouthwash also helps to fight bad breath by keeping your mouth moist.
Scrape Your Tongue
Using a tongue scraper is another way to fight bad breath. It probes the tiny papillae that trap food and bacteria by gently gliding from the back of the tongue to the front. By removing undesirables from your tongue, this method of oral hygiene also protects your health because it prevents the spreading of bacteria throughout your mouth.
Limit Certain Foods
Along with making some changes in your oral hygiene regimen, you should also limit your consumption of foods that are known to contribute to bad breath like onions, garlic and others. If not, you run the risk of the smells filtering into your bloodstream and lungs and being exhaled when you open your mouth.
No Tobacco
Tobacco products are bad news, whether smoked or chewed. The toxins they release are detrimental to both your hygiene and your wellness. The only healthy option is to eliminate either habit completely.
Choose Gum Over the Mint
After a nice meal, you may prefer a mint, but your dentist says that chewing sugarless gum could help out much more in fighting bad breath. That’s because the chewing action stimulates your natural saliva production, which helps in fighting bacteria that are present in your mouth.
Keep Your Mouth Moist
Bacteria like to hang out in dry areas, so when you keep your mouth wet, you make it much harder for them to flourish. So whether you’re using chewing gum, mouthwash or some other method, a moist mouth is more conducive to better oral health and fresher breath.
Along with implementing these strategies, you should be sure to reach out to your local dentist to schedule a preventive care visit. The thorough cleaning and checkup that you’ll receive will ensure fresh breath and a healthy oral cavity.
About the Author
Dr. Benjamin Geller earned his dental degree from the University of California at San Francisco and has since gone on to become a fixture in the city of Los Angeles. He helps patients enjoy fresh breath and healthy oral cavities at Geller Dentistry and can be reached for more information through his website.