What’s worse than bad breath?
Being told you have bad breath.
Bad breath, also known as Halitosis, is a dental hygiene issue that can be caused by bacteria in the mouth and throat. And getting rid of it can be easy!
Save your friends and family from an awkward encounter using these tips on how to cure bad breath:
Good Oral Hygiene
The solution can be as simple as brushing twice a day and flossing. Because reducing plaque build up and keeping your mouth clean are vital in improving your breath.
But say you are already following a routine, maybe you need to take a few extra steps.
Try brushing your teeth, or using mouthwash, after each meal, or getting a tongue scraper to help clean the bacteria off your tongue.
Note: Use a soft bristle brush and fluoride toothpaste for a more effective and comfortable dental routine.
Water
Sometimes a dry mouth can cause bad breath. Without enough saliva in your mouth, bacteria grows and feeds off the food particles in your mouth. Time to hydrate!
Drink more water, especially after meals, to not only increase saliva production but to wash away some of the food particles in your mouth.
Foods to Eat
Food that’s good for your bad breath may not taste as good as junk foods, but you get used to it over time and your body will feel better in the process.
Here’s a list of foods to eat to help cure bad breath:
- Vegetables like carrots, celery, kale, and broccoli
- Fruits like apples, pears, cherries, melons and berries
- Herbs like mint, parsley, basil and fennel
- Proteins like beans, nuts and seeds.
- Whole grains like oats, barley, brown rice and bran
- Beverages like milk, green tea and water
Foods to Avoid
Bacteria love feeding off of acids and sugar, making all the junk food prime suspects for bad breath.
Start cutting out these foods from your diet and your bad breath will improve (or at least have some mouthwash handy after eating it):
- Coffee
- Black tea
- Garlic
- Onions
- Acidic foods like tomatoes and lemons
- Sugary foods like cereals, sodas and candy
The Safest Cure: See Your Dentist
The best way to cure bad breath is to get help from an expert in dental health: your dentist!
Sometimes bad breath may be caused by a dental issue like tooth decay or maybe there’s an underlying health issue that you’re unaware of.
Visit your dentist and put your mind at ease with a check-up and some professional advice on curing bad breath.
If you’re looking to keep your breath fresh, book an appointment with us and we’ll be happy to help!
