A famous person was once quoted as saying, “There’s nothing worse than bad breath.” Not brilliant, and perhaps not even quote-worthy, but a truer statement has never been uttered. Nobody wants to be the guy with the bad breath. In fact, going back thousands of years, people have been searching for ways to remedy their bad breath. So, what did ancient people use to combat their ‘halitosis’? How’d you like to have to use sticky tree resin? Or, how about this one … your child’s urine?! That’s right. Ancient folks back in China, circa 2700 BC, rinsed their mouths with the urine of their kids in order to fight back foul mouth odors. Some of them even recorded their use of it for posterity! Thankfully, today we have family dentists with better ideas concerning dental health. Following are some recommendations from top dentists on how to reduce bad breath.
Dental hygiene habits
Poor oral hygiene is perhaps the first and last factor in bad breath. Because plaque can build up in the mouth, a good oral hygiene routine is necessary to eliminate it, as well as the chance of bacteria buildup. Optimal dental hygiene is vital for keeping bad breath at bay. A good oral health routine must include at least twice-daily brushing with a fluoride toothpaste and at least once-daily flossing. In fact, it’s best to brush after each meal and floss with each brushing, especially if you’re someone who suffers from chronic halitosis. Because food particles can get stuck between teeth and lead to bacteria, flossing daily is vital for avoiding bad breath. Additionally, top dentists recommend brushing the tongue as well, in order to remove as much bacteria as possible.
Diet
Another major cause of bad breath is poor nutrition, especially when it leads to stomach problems. Avoid foods that cause halitosis. These include garlic, coffee, alcohol, and processed foods that can produce bacteria buildup on the teeth and gums. Foods that are rich in vitamins can aid in optimal oral hygiene because they help to keep bacteria from building up on the teeth and gums. Crunchy raw vegetables such as celery and carrots are great for helping to remove plaque and bacteria from teeth.
Mouthwash
Rinsing at least once a day with an antiseptic mouthwash is an important part of an oral hygiene routine, especially for those who suffer from chronic bad breath. Antiseptic mouthwash can help to reduce plaque and kill germs that cause bacteria buildup. It can also help to hydrate the mouth, which removes bacteria.
Hydration
Proper hydration of the mouth is important for avoiding bad breath. Because saliva helps to reduce plaque and bacteria buildup on the teeth and gums, it’s vital to keep the mouth well hydrated, especially if you’re someone who takes medications that can cause dehydration. Dehydration can also lead to stomach disorders that contribute to bad breath.
Breath mints and gum
Breath mints and gum can also help to stave off bad breath, not just because these often are minty flavors, but also because they help to salivate the mouth. Because saliva helps to hydrate the mouth and wash away plaque, it aids in removing bacteria and stopping it from building up.
Regular visits to a top dentist
One of the most important means of getting rid of bad breath and keeping it away for good is to include regular, twice-yearly dentist appointments in your oral hygiene routine. No one can understand what’s going on inside your mouth better than your family dentist. If you’re someone who suffers from bad breath, a top dentist can visualize what’s going on with your teeth and gums. Your family dentist can also recommend further steps to eliminating your halitosis. Additionally, a top dentist can recommend further techniques that can eliminate halitosis, such as which toothpastes, flosses, and mouthwash rinses can work best for your situation.
Bad breath … it can turn a Prince Charming into a dud in a single whiff. But it doesn’t have to be that way. If you’re someone who suffers from halitosis, it doesn’t have to ruin your chance at getting that big promotion, landing that critical account, or getting that all-important first date. Try some of the above methods, and contact a top dentist to learn more about the most effective methods of reducing bad breath.