Bad breath is one of those things that no one wants to talk about – or tell you if you have it. Everyone suffers from bad breath from time to time, especially in the morning. The causes can range from habits like smoking to poor dental hygiene to eating certain types of foods or taking certain medications. If you suffer from bad breath- or know someone who does- don’t fret. There are simple solutions that can help you achieve fresh, confident breath.
1. Visit your dentist regularly
Studies show that about 80% of bad breath is caused by an oral source such as cavities, gum disease, cracked fillings or unclean dentures. Visiting you dentist regularly will help you maintain your oral health and avoid the most common sources for bad breath.
2. Brush and floss more frequently
Plaque is a major culprit for bad breath and the best way to fight it is by brushing and flossing. You should brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily. If you are concerned about bad breath, brush and floss more frequently.
3. Scrape your tongue
Bad breath is caused by bacteria breaking down food in your mouth. Much of this bacteria lives on your tongue. Use your toothbrush to gently scrape your tongue. If you don’t find this effective at removing the coating on your tongue, try using a tool called a tongue scraper. This can be found at drug stores.
4. Stop smoking
In addition to multiple other health risks, smoking is a prime offender when it comes to your breath. The sooner you can kick the habit, the better.
5. Rinse regularly
Mouthwashes are an effective add on to your daily oral cleansing routine. Anti-bacterial mouthwash can freshen your breath immediately and provide longer protection by helping to combat plaque-causing bacteria.
