Having bad breath can be embarrassing at times, but it shouldn’t be ignored.
Most people just write off bad breath as a major inconvenience. Having bad breath can be embarrassing at times, but it shouldn’t be ignored. Bad breath, or halitosis, can be indicative of other, more alarming health problems that should be addressed.
Watch What You Eat
Many of the foods you enjoy can leave your breath stinking long after you’ve finished eating. Garlic, onions, and coffee are the most obvious suspects but also beware of eggs, tomatoes, red meats, pepper, pastrami, and cheese. This does not mean you have to stop eating these things, it just means that you may want to consider brushing after enjoying these and other fragrant foods.
Drink More Water
Drinking lots of water is great for your overall health, not just your oral health. If you feel like you’ve got cotton in your mouth, your breath probably doesn’t smell so great. Dry mouth is a huge contributor to bad breath and can be caused by anything from being dehydrated to side effects of prescription medications. Your saliva helps wash away stray food particles and bacteria and if there isn’t enough saliva, your mouth can start to smell a bit stale.
Lay Off the Cigarettes
Cigarettes really get you when it comes to bad breath. Not only do they cause dry mouth, but they also just smell bad. Cigarettes can also cause your teeth to discolor, among many, many other health problems. Consider talking to your dentist or primary care physician about some ways you can quit.
Practice Better Oral Hygiene
Sometimes, bad breath can be caused by just not brushing and flossing well enough. If you don’t already brush at least two times a day, you should start. You should also make sure you’re flossing at least once a day. If you’re already doing these things and still find you have bad breath, try brushing your teeth after you’ve had lunch. Sometimes and extra brushing is all your mouth needs to stay happy.
You Can Trust Olney Dental for All of Your Oral Health Needs
For all of your oral care questions and concerns, Olney Dental has the expertise and professionalism to get them the answers they need. Olney Dental is ready to supply you with expert service in a professional environment. Schedule an appointment online today! For more information on how we can give your family the best dentist experience available, give us a call at (301) 250-1057 or contact us online.
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