We all know there are a variety of triggers for bad breath: coffee, onions, sinus issues, dairy products, smoking, periodontal issues, bacteria, infections, etc. Here are some helpful, easy and accessible tips to keep your breath fresh!
Brush and floss your teeth after meals (or at least after meals with strong smelling food). If you're not flossing, you're missing cleaning 35% of your tooth surface.
Brush or scrape your tongue. Did you know so much of what causes bad breath is due to the tongue not being as clean as it could be?
Avoid dry mouth. Drink lots of water to help rinse bacteria away.
Replace your toothbrush. Have you ever noticed a toothbrush can develop a rotten smell? If you have know that whatever is causing that on your brush, is then going into your mouth.
Use mouthwash. Listerine mouthwashes are great for not only freshening breath, but killing germs amongst other benefits! If you are looking for an alcohol free method, there are a variety of great products on the market!
Quit smoking. Smoking not only causes bad breath, but damages the teeth and gums in addition to raising the oral cancer risk.
Chew sugar-free gum! Gum with sugar means you will need to brush after chewing. Sugar free gum is great at ridding of bad breath and helping keep food particles from sticking to the teeth. Mint leaves (washed) work great too!
Clean your dental appliances! This means braces, retainers, mouth guards and night-guards. Brushing with toothpaste or rinsing/soaking with mouthwash are all great methods.
Eat more applies! Apples are great for the gums and help scrape away plaque on the teeth. (Although we strongly advise exercising caution consuming apples with braces on your teeth.)
See your dentist or orthodontist! Your dental health professionals can let you know if they see any issues with your oral health that may contribute to bad breath issues.
* Ulrich Orthodontics is committed to helping our patients have the best oral hygiene possible! Please feel free to call our office and one of our helpful team members will be happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
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