O’Fallon Dentist Helps You Maintain Fresh Breath Day To Day
No one wants to have to deal with bad breath; it’s embarrassing, and it can make you feel nervous or uncomfortable in social situations. Our O’Fallon dentists believe that the way to deal with odorous breath is to address the root cause of the problem, rather than simply using gum or mints to cover it up. So, today, we are sharing some simple tips on how to freshen your breath day to day.
First, a quick review: oral bacteria cause odors when they grow and reproduce So, if you are dealing with bad breath, it is likely because the oral bacteria in your mouth are running rampant. With that in mind you can…
Rinse your mouth with water throughout the day—this can be especially useful after eating or drinking as it clears away dental debris, which bacteria would otherwise feed on. If you find that your mouth is feeling stale, swish some water around!
Drink plenty of water—you want to stay hydrated so that your mouth will be full saliva throughout the day. Saliva is a tool your body uses to naturally neutralize bacteria and re-mineralize teeth. Patients who suffer from dry mouth do not have enough saliva, so the oral bacteria in their mouths are able to thrive and grow. That is why dry mouth is closely associated with chronic bad breath.
Snack smartly—try chewing crunchy and water-rich veggies, like carrots and celery, in order to refresh your smile. The physical act of chewing these foods helps to scrape plaque off of your dental surfaces, and, because these vegetables have high water contents, they jump-start saliva production.
If you find it especially difficult to beat bad breath and achieve a fresh smile, then you may be suffering from an underlying gum or tooth infection. Please don’t hesitate to call our O’Fallon dentists for additional information and support!