Bad breath happens—especially after you eat a meal that is loaded with garlic or onions. But what if your bad breath persists? Obviously, you want to brush and floss regularly, but what other steps can you take to improve your breath?
Here are some suggestions from your Pike Creek dentist, Dr. Jason M. Justison.
Tip #1—Chew Gum
Did you know that saliva is one of your best bets in getting rid of bad breath? If you chew gum, it stimulates the creation of saliva, which helps fight bad breath. Be sure to go sugar-free when you are choosing gum to chew. Even better is to choose one with Xylitol, which as a healthy sugar substitute that also helps stop the growth of bacteria in your mouth.
You might also want to choose cinnamon-flavored gum over minty types. Whereas mint flavors mask odors, cinnamon is believed by some to help fight bacteria buildup in the mouth.
Tip #2—Brush Your Tongue
Many people forget this important step when they are brushing their teeth. The tongue is a breeding ground for bad-breath-causing bacteria, and unless you brush your tongue, the bacteria have a tendency to stick around. You can use your toothbrush or a tongue cleaner specifically designed for the task.
Tip #3—Stay Hydrated
Dry mouth is a big culprit in creating unpleasant mouth odors, and making sure you drink enough water is crucial to creating plenty of saliva to help wash away bacteria.
Tip #4—Get a Second Opinion
Make sure the bad breath isn’t your imagination by asking a trusted friend or family member if they have noticed.
Tip #5—Rule Out Medical Causes
Finally, if bad breath does exist and it persists, you should make an appointment to see a dentist to ensure there is nothing going on that is more serious. Give our Pike Creek practice a call to make an appointment to see a dentist.
Call Your Pike Creek, DE Dentist
At Drs. Justison and Gladnick, we look forward to seeing you!
