If you had to ask a Laurel Heights dentist for just 10 pieces of wisdom for how to take better care of your teeth and eliminate bad breath, what would they be? Here are potentially useful ideas to consider.
1. Stop smoking.
Cigarette smoking used to be a very mainstream activity, decades ago. But cigarette smoke contains dozens – in some cases, hundreds – of chemicals that can not only make you sick and impede your oral health but can also cause bad breath.
2. Take care of any periodontal disease.
Gum disease is unfortunately epidemic today. The bacteria that grow in the gums as a result of infection can release materials that can cause bad breath.
3. Scrape your tongue when you brush your teeth.
You can use your toothbrush to scrape your tongue or employ a special scraper for your tongue. In either case, doing this will help eliminate some of the bad smelling bacteria that accumulate in the mouth and that can lead to bad breath.
4. Increase/improve your brushing and flossing regimen.
Hopefully, you already brush your teeth at least once a day. You might want to brush or floss more frequently, especially if you notice that you’re developing a lot of plaque or if you have food particles in between your teeth. However, don’t brush too frequently, or you risk wearing down your teeth.
5. Eliminate foods that cause bad breath.
Onions and garlic are notorious offenders. You might have special sensitivities to certain foods.
6. Consider cleaning up your diet.
Nearly a century ago, dentist and anthropologist Weston Price observed that cultures that ate diets of whole foods – and that avoided the refined carbohydrates and sugars common in the western diet – had much better oral health.
7. Use antibacterial mouthwashes.
As recommended by your dentist, a mouthwash can complement your cleaning regimen and help eliminate bad breath.
8. Chew sugar-free gums instead of mints.
Minimize sugar in your diet to reduce the bacterial load in your mouth and freshen your breath.
9. Hydrate.
A lack of moisture in your mouth can concentrate the bacteria and lead to bad breath and tooth decay, if you’re not producing enough saliva.
10. Talk to your dentist if the problem continues.
Many issues can cause bad breath, including adaptation to a low carb or paleo diet, illness, bacterial infection, etc.
[See Also: 5 Tips for Caring for Your Teeth and Gums]
What’s your most embarrassing “bad breath” moment? Say goodbye to bad breath for good, with tips from Delta Dental dentist, Dr. Alex Pastel. To schedule an appointment, please call 415-831-1999 today, or book your appointment online with our convenient scheduling tool!
