Bad breath can leave you feeling self-conscious when interacting with other people. This may interfere with your everyday habits, leaving you anxious when talking to colleagues, friends, or romantic partners. Don’t let halitosis mar your quality of life; follow these cosmetic dentistry tips for staying minty fresh.

How to Avoid Bad Breath

1. Practice Proper Oral Hygiene

Brushing and flossing are important for your oral health. These habits get rid of harmful bacteria that cause gum disease, cavities, and bad breath. Brush twice per day—for at least two minutes each time—and floss before bed to get rid of them. 

2. Clean Your Tongue

Your tongue can also be a hotbed of bacteria. Use a tongue scraper to eliminate germs that build up in the soft folds of the tongue. However, make sure to be gentle to avoid sores on your tongue. You can also use a soft toothbrush to scrub this area. 

3. Quit Smoking

Tobacco use causes bad breath. It also increases the prevalence of bacteria in your mouth, as it introduces foreign substances to your system and impedes the immune system, making it harder to fight off disease. This is why smoking and gum disease are linked.

4. Stay Hydrated

When you don't have enough saliva production, you experience dry mouth. Saliva is important to oral health; it rinses away food debris and bacteria responsible for odor and maintains a healthy pH level in the mouth. Drink enough water and chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva flow.

5. See Your Dentist

In some cases, bad breath may be related to an underlying health condition. A cavity or gum disease could be to blame, for instance, or even an illness like diabetes. If you are following the above steps but still experiencing bad breath, see your dentist to rule out such issues.

Brian Perelmuter, DMD, P.C. provides residents of Naugatuck, CT, and the surrounding areas with cutting-edge general and cosmetic dentistry services. He has over 20 years of experience. Whether you are interested in teeth whitening or need a tooth extraction, expect gentle and knowledgeable care. Review his full range of general and cosmetic dentistry services online. Schedule your appointment by calling (203) 729-3323.