Have you ever struck up a chat with a cute stranger at a party but lost interest before the conversation even began due to their puppy breath? Chronic stinky breath (medically known as halitosis) can put a damper on a lot of things. Here, the dental experts at Oahu Dental Care explain how flossing can help fend off bad breath.

What Causes Halitosis?

When small food particles get trapped in between your teeth and under the gum line, they can start collecting bacteria, which is the main culprit of bad breath. Specific types of food, such as garlic and onions, may cause the problem to persist until the body has processed the piquant meal.

Another cause of bad breath is xerostomia, which is a dry mouth condition. Certain types of prescription medication can cause this as well as stress or excessive mouth breathing.

How to Combat the Odor

Flossing is just as important as brushing. You should be flossing at least once a day to help prevent bad breath and promote good oral health. Flossing can reach the hard-to-get food specks that are stuck in those tricky places that your brush can’t quite reach. It’s also smart to use mouth rinse as part of your daily oral health regimen to further battle bad breath.

For more information, contact the cosmetic dentistry experts at Oahu Dental Care. They specialize in teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, root canals, tooth extraction, dentures, Invisalign braces, and other services. To contact the orthodontist professional, call (808) 732-2821 or visit their website today.