Have you ever noticed that loved ones try to avoid giving you a full hug at family gatherings? Or perhaps coworkers lean away from you when chatting at the water cooler? Whether it’s from poor oral hygiene or your penchant for eating Greek salads laced with feta cheese, you may have persistent bad breath! Having an unpleasant breath can be deeply embarrassing in social settings. If you want to avoid or get rid of bad breath, follow the 5 tips below from a dentist in Midlothian.
Tip #1: Use Proper Brushing Technique
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is often caused by tiny food particles that get trapped between teeth and along the gum line. Bacteria feed on the food particles and cause foul-smelling odors to be released.
You can help ensure your mouth stays as clean and fresh as possible by using the proper brushing technique. For a more effective daily cleaning:
- Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums
- Gently move the brush back and forth in short, circular strokes
- Brush for a full two minutes each time
- Brush all sides of your teeth – the outer, inner and chewing surfaces
Tip #2: Clean Your Tongue
After you brush your teeth using the proper technique described above, do not forget to clean your tongue as well! As a breeding ground for bacteria, dead cells and tiny bits of food, an unclean tongue can often contribute to bad breath. Use your toothbrush to give your tongue a quick scrub or pick up a tongue scraper from your local pharmacy.
Tip #3: Keep Your Mouth Moist
Dry mouth, which allows odor-causing bacteria to flourish, can originate from any of the following causes:
- Salivary gland problems
- Breathing through your mouth instead of your nose
- As a side effect of over 400 common medications
To combat dry mouth, bring a reusable water bottle with you to work and refill it throughout the day. You can also try chewing on sugar-free gum or sucking on hard candies to encourage saliva production.
Tip #4: Watch What You Eat
Some foods are naturally smelly and can leave you with an unpleasant breath long after you have finished eating them. Here are several foods that, while tasty, can linger on your breath:
- Tuna
- Feta Cheese
- Garlic
- Onions
- Vinegar
Avoid eating these foods on a frequent basis. When you do indulge, brush your teeth immediately afterward to prevent bad breath.
Tip #5: Ditch the Diet
Popular low-carb and no-carb diets may help you slim down, but they can also contribute to bad breath. When you do not eat an adequate amount of carbohydrates, your body switches to burning fat instead of sugar. This fat-burning process, called ketosis, causes unpleasant-smelling chemicals to be released in the breath.
Constantly worrying about bad breath can harm your confidence and affect your daily interactions with friends, coworkers and family. Follow the 5 tips above from a dentist in Midlothian for a fresh breath and a confident smile!
About the Author
At his state-of-the-art private practice, Dr. Jay Oza provides high-quality, personalized dental care to Midlothian community members. A graduate of the University of North Texas Health Science Center and active member of the Texas Dental Association, Dr. Jay Oza is happy to call the Lonestar State his home. For more oral care tips, visit the Marvel Dental of Midlothian website or call 682-772-3072.