Dealing with bad breath can be frustrating: no matter how many different mouthwashes you try, you may not be able to get rid of this annoyance. Fortunately, there are a few easy things you can do to get your breath feeling and smelling its freshest. The family and cosmetic dentistry experts at Oahu Dental Care see the effects of bad breath on a regular basis, and know how to tackle this irksome condition; with locations in Honolulu and Pearl City, Oahu Dental is your premier source for quality dental care on the Islands.

We all know that brushing and flossing regularly keep the teeth and gums healthy. But routine brushing and flossing also go a long way in ensuring the breath stays healthy as well. Rinse and gargle with an antibacterial mouthwash after every brushing/flossing session. Though many mouthwashes just mask the unpleasantness of bad breath, an antibacterial mouth rinse can be helpful in killing the bacteria that cause bad breath.

Invest in a tongue scraper. There has been a resurgence of interest in tongue scrapers lately, and with good reason. They gently scrape and remove much of the bacteria that coats the tongue, and the long applicator allows you to reach the back of the tongue. You can do the same by brushing your tongue with a standard toothbrush, but toothbrushes are usually too short to reach to the back of the mouth.

Steer clear of infamously smelly foods like garlic and onion. These offenders don't just linger in the mouth, as they actually get into the bloodstream and lungs. When you need to take extra steps to make sure your breath is at its best, avoid garlic and onions.

Oahu Dental Care offers a full range of dental services, including exams, x-rays, root canal work, braces, and tooth extraction. They also have many cosmetic options like porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, and Invisalign. Call (808) 732-2821 today to make your first appointment and learn how to take charge of the bad breath issues that are holding you back.