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Between visits to your dentist, you may have a hard time eliminating bad odors from your breath. Luckily, while the causes of bad breath vary, there are some universal ways to get rid of it yourself. These tips will help you manage breath odor until a professional can offer a solution.

How to Improve Your Bad Breath

1. Brush & Floss More Often

You should brush your teeth at least twice each day, but you can also do it more frequently. Dentists recommend brushing after eating meals that include hard, sticky, or sweet foods to ensure food particles are flushed from the mouth. Additionally, you can floss more than once per day to keep food particles out of the spaces between your teeth. In particular, flossing immediately before brushing will improve the effectiveness of your oral care routine.

2. Remember Your Tongue

DentistWhile bacteria thrive on your teeth and gum tissue, they can also be found on the tongue. You should clean your tongue at least once per day, either by brushing it with your toothbrush or buying a tongue cleaning device. If you're not sure where to start, ask about the most effective tongue cleaning devices on the market during your next dentist appointment.

3. Rinse Frequently

Rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash is the best way to eliminate odor. However, if you have a more severe dental problem, such as tooth decay, mouthwash may not help. In this case, add a few drops of peppermint oil to a cup of warm water and rinse. Be sure to gargle and swish the solution around thoroughly before spitting.

4. Watch What You Consume

The primary culprits behind bad breath include tobacco products and sugar, so be sure to avoid these substances. Sugar and tobacco will interact with the bacteria in your mouth, creating acid that eats away at the enamel coating on your teeth and contributes to the odor on your breath. Additionally, an untreated cavity caused by a poor diet can become abscessed, resulting in a strong, unpleasant odor and taste.

 

Visiting a dentist every six months is essential to your oral care and can help you eliminate the problems that cause bad breath. Located in High Point, NC, David J. Novak, DDS PA has nearly 40 years of experience providing patients throughout the Piedmont Triad area with the services they need to maintain healthy and bright smiles. Whether you need a routine teeth cleaning or preventative services, you can trust the entire staff to provide you with high quality care at reasonable prices. To schedule an appointment, reach out online or call (336) 884-1833.

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