It’s common to wake up with bad breath in the morning and after consuming certain foods. However, chronic problems can result from improper dental care. In the guide below, learn about what steps you can take to keep your breath fresh.

What Are Some Common Causes of Bad Breath?

Foods and beverages you consume affect your breath. Certain ingredients cause more odors, such as garlic, cheese, alcohol, and onions. Tobacco use contributes to poor breath as well.

Dry mouth can exacerbate issues because it prevents saliva from washing odorous bacteria away. Dry mouth is a common side effect of some medications, including antihistamines and diuretics. Health conditions, including chronic lung infections, diabetes, sinus infections, and liver disease, also contribute to unpleasant breath.

However, the most common cause is poor dental care. If plaque sits on the teeth, bacteria combine with decaying food particles to produce odors.

How Can You Freshen Your Breath?

First, improve your dental care regimen by using a timer to gently brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day. Use a scraper or brush to clean the tongue since it also provides a surface for bacteria. Floss correctly by hugging each tooth in a “C” shape. Doing so each day removes food particles and bacteria a toothbrush cannot reach.

Improve your symptoms further by quitting or at least limiting smoking and alcohol consumption. Sticky, sugary, and crunchy foods lodge themselves between the teeth and produce odors, so consume more ingredients that naturally clean the mouth instead, such as apples, carrots, and celery.

Visit a dentist every six months to remove tartar buildup under the gumline. A dental care team may also provide product recommendations, such as antibacterial mouth rinses to fight unpleasant symptoms. 

Schedule your next teeth cleaning and checkup with Four Corners Dental Group. With convenient locations in Anchorage and Wasilla, AK, this dental care practice provides preventive, general, and cosmetic dentistry services to patients of all ages. Call (907) 258-3384 to make an appointment in Anchorage, or (907) 376-2790 to reach Wasilla. Learn more about their work online.