Do you struggle with bad breath — and not just when you have an extra slice of garlic bread? No one wants to be the person whom others avoid because they have stinky breath. Fortunately, there are some simple things you can do to freshen up your mouth and get back your confidence. Your dentist near Lake Forest is here to list a few easy solutions to bad breath.
Brush and Floss
Oral hygiene is the key to a fresh mouth. It’s important to brush twice a day using the proper technique; you should brush for about two minutes total, using short gentle strokes. This quick action will get rid of plaque and dislodge food particles that can cause odors.
Flossing is also vital because it takes care of the stinky bits that get lodged between your teeth. Your toothbrush can’t always reach them, which is why it is so important to floss at least once a day.
Drink More Water
Saliva is your mouth’s best friend. It rinses away bacteria and particles that can cause odors. However, your mouth can’t produce enough saliva if it doesn’t have moisture to work with. Drink lots of water throughout the day, especially after meals.
Try to stick to flat water; carbonated water, even though it doesn’t have any sugar, is acidic, and it can cause oral health problems of its own.
Clean Your Tongue
Have you ever noticed that your tongue looks white? That film contains bacteria, food particles, and dead cells — and it can smell awful.
When you’re brushing, it’s a good idea to run the bristles over your tongue. However, this little sense organ might need a bit more attention. Use a tongue scraper to clean off all the bacteria that gets stuck there throughout the day. Be sure to scrape the sides of the tongue as well as the top using gentle motions; you don’t want your tongue to bleed or be sore after you clean it.
Make Sure the Problem Doesn’t Go Deeper
In many cases, it is easy to fix bad breath with a few simple adjustments like the ones listed above. Sometimes, though, bad breath may indicate more serious problems. For example, it could be related to diabetes, gum disease, or an abscessed tooth.
If you have bad breath that doesn’t seem to want to go away, it’s a wise idea to schedule an appointment with your dentist near Lake Forest. A professional cleaning is likely to freshen your breath anyway, and a dental professional will examine your mouth and let you know if there are any oral health conditions that need further treatment.
You don’t have to live with bad breath! With a few simple changes to your routine and a bit of time at your dentist’s office, your mouth can be odor-free.
About Our Practice
The team of dentists at Lake Forest Smiles is proud to serve Lake Forest and the surrounding areas. If you’re concerned about bad breath or anything related to your oral health, please contact our office at 847-234-4800.