10 Tips for Fresh Breath

Are you afraid of knocking someone out with your afternoon burrito breath? Do not worry anymore! Your Valencia Dentist is here to tell you that bad breath is preventable!

10) Brush and Floss!

Brushing and flossing at least twice a day is your first and most powerful defense against bad breath. Bacteria thrive on teeth, releasing gasses as they feast on food residue. By preventing food residue buildup, you are preemptively cutting off the bacteria food supply. And fewer bacteria leads to a nicer breath.

9) Scrub That Tongue!

Your tongue harbors some nasty bacteria, which feasts on the food debris left behind after a meal. While some scientists believe that some of the bacteria may be beneficial to fighting nasty breath, the facts are not concrete yet. Either way, brushing your tongue after you’ve cleaned your teeth can help keep that bacteria in check, and prevent future bacteria from growing. Leftover food debris on the tongue can lead to a less than pleasant smell, as well, so keep it clean.

8) Rinse!

Rinsing your mouth with regular water after meals and drinks is an important step to your overall oral health, but also lowers the chances of bad breath. Eating and drinking foods high in sugar or acid affects the pH levels of your mouth. This can also affect the rate at which bacteria grows. By rinsing, you are helping your mouth return to a balanced pH level and helping to remove food and drink residue from your teeth, preventing a bacteria buffet.

7) Stay Hydrated!

Dry mouth leads to a bacterium field day in your mouth, as hungry bacteria feast on leftover food particles around your teeth. The lack of saliva creates a lack of oxygen, which actually increases the growth of bacteria. Dry mouth is a contributing factor to the fabled morning breath. So make sure you have that glass of water at your bedside to keep things moist as you sleep. It also helps to carry a water bottle with you throughout the day, as dry mouth is more common during the day than it is when you sleep.

6) Snack Often!

Eating small snacks of healthy foods, such as celery, apples, and carrots, can help fight your malodorous breath. Munching on these snacks throughout the day will keep your saliva flowing and prevent bacteria from building up. Plus, snacks like celery can act as a natural floss, dislodging bits of food trapped between your teeth and getting the saliva in there as well. Some of the snacks, like oranges, contain vitamin C which will kill some bacteria, and leave a sweet smell emanating from your mouth.

5) Go Natural!

Natural foods can help you fight the nasty breath, too. Green herbs, such as parsley and cilantro, contain chlorophyll, which functions as a natural breath freshener. Chlorophyll in general is shown to help reel in all of your natural body smells, keeping them in check. (You can even find chlorophyll supplements and mouth drops if you don’t have your herbs handy.) Those same green herbs contain essential oils, which release their powerful scents when chewed, helping to mask any lingering scents from your meal.

Next time you are feasting on some garlic bread, grab a sprig of basil to munch on afterwards; you could clean up that breath.

4) Avoid That Garlic!

What you eat for a meal has a major impact on your breath throughout the day. Coffee, garlic, onions, cheese, meat… these all leave a lingering odor in your mouth. Once they are digested and enter your blood stream, the byproduct is eventually exhaled by your lungs, which is the root cause of your foul breath (and potentially your body odor, as some garlic lovers may discover). Meat is also a bacterium’s favorite snack, and it will gladly consume any lingering bits that happen to be stuck in your teeth, causing even more odors. By consuming foods and drinks notorious for causing odors, you are dooming yourself to bad breath. Skip that morning coffee and go for green tea.

3) Skip the Mints!

Relying on a mint to mask the smell will only last for so long, and can potentially cause more problems down the road. By popping mints and chewing on gum, you are potentially contributing to bacteria growth, especially if those chewing treats contain any sugar. A mint won’t help solve bad breath; it will only put a Band-Aid on it and potentially cover up more serious issues.

2) Put Out That Cigarette!

Cigarettes cause a utopian paradise for bad breath bacteria in your mouth. Smoking leads to an increase in oral infections and diseases, which can lead to unpleasant smells. It also causes plaque to build up rapidly on their teeth, which harbors bacteria and adds to your aroma. Finally, smoking can lead to dry mouth, which helps more bacteria thrive. Mix that with the smell of tobacco, and you’re in for an olfactory treat.

Quitting smoking, which is easier said than done, will not only help your breath, but your oral health and overall physical health. It is a win-win situation.

1) See Your Dentist!

If all else fails and you still have horrendous breath, talk to your dentist about it. They will be able to determine if there is a deeper, medical cause of the odor. Some ailments that can cause foul breath include gum disease, tonsil stones, pneumonia, dry mouth, yeast infections, acid reflux, and even diabetes.

If you have any questions or concerns about your breath and your oral health, never hesitate to ask your friendly Valencia Dentist. They can answer any question you may have about your breath; and they’ve likely smelt worse things!