Whilst there can be other causes for bad breath, the majority of the time bad breath is caused by issues within the mouth, teeth and gums. There are steps you can take to minimise the chances of this being a problem for you.
What steps can I take?
- Practice good oral hygiene, by ensuring that you brush your teeth thoroughly twice daily using a fluoride toothpaste, floss daily and visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and a professional clean.
- Use a tongue cleaner daily to remove the bacteria and clean the back of the tongue. You can use your brush, but a tongue scraper is better at removing the white coating.
- A mouthwash is a good way to remove any remaining bacteria in your mouth and make your breath feel fresh.
- Drink plenty of water to keep yourself well hydrated and prevent your mouth drying out. When we are thirsty, our body does not produce as much saliva, which is a natural cleaner for our mouth. Chewing foods like apples and carrots can help encourage the production of saliva.
- Eating a healthy diet helps to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Avoid sugary and acidic foods and drinks that contribute to the build-up of plaque and bacteria in the mouth. Garlic, onions and spicy foods can also cause bad breath, as can coffee and strong teas.
- Dentures and other dental appliances need to be thoroughly clean daily.
- Quit smoking if you are a smoker. Not only will have huge benefits to the health of your teeth and gums, but it will prevent staining of your teeth and bad breath.
- Chewing sugar free gum helps to increase the production of saliva in your mouth and reduce bad breath.
- Attend your regular dental check-ups.
If you have any concerns with bad breath, contact your dentist. Attending to any dental conditions promptly and having a professional clean will ensure the health of your teeth and gums and eliminate any oral causes of bad breath.
