How Do I Get Rid of Bad Breath?
Do you suffer from chronic or frequent bad breath? You may try to cover it up with mints and gum, but those can only temporarily conceal the odor — they do not solve the problem for the long term. The dental and periodontal experts at La Jolla Family Smile Design have some advice on ways to refresh your breath. Following these tips can help you to avoid awkward social interactions.
Brush and Floss
Yes, dentists are always telling you to brush and floss, but this advice is legitimately your best bet for eliminating bad breath. The bacteria on lingering food particles in your mouth gradually turns into acid, which is the main culprit for bad breath. By brushing the bacteria away and cleaning out the particles wedged between your teeth, you can prevent this stinky acid from manifesting. Though brushing twice and flossing once per day is the usual recommendation, if you are especially prone to bad breath, you may want to increase your frequency.
Some people are prone to having bacteria accumulate on their tongues. If you are battling bad breath, you may want to invest in a tongue scraper to ensure your tongue gets sufficiently clean.
Drink Plenty of Water
You already know that staying hydrated is important for your health, but you may not be aware of just how useful it is at minimizing bad breath. Drinking water is an effective way to help wash away the bacteria and food particles, particularly after a meal or midday when you are not brushing.
Dry mouth can also contribute to bad breath. When you drink water, your mouth generates more saliva, which should both help to wash away plaque and decrease the odor.
Visit Your Dentist
Bad breath is a symptom of gum disease. When brushing and flossing do not improve the scent of your mouth significantly, there is a strong chance that you have bacteria trapped beneath the gumline that is contributing to the odor. Fortunately, gingivitis or periodontitis can be treated. Scaling and root planing is an effective procedure that deep cleans both above and below the gumline to remove trapped bacteria. In more severe cases, laser gum surgery may be necessary to improve the health of your gums.
Make an Appointment at La Jolla Family Smile Design
Our dental team is one of the best-reviewed practices in the San Diego area. If you need a deep cleaning to remove the bacteria from your gums or are simply overdue on a regular checkup, please call (858) 454-3044 to schedule an appointment. We can work with you to restore pleasant breath.
