Learn More From Our O’Fallon Dentists About Some Simple Things You Can Do To Manage Bad Breath
Bad breath can put a real damper on your day and your social interactions. We all want to be able to greet the day confidently, and our O’Fallon dentists can help you do that by getting a handle on chronic bad breath.
Now, we all experience temporary bouts of bad breath, especially when we have consumed something odorous. Heavily seasoned meats, garlic, and onions, for example, can all leave lasting impressions post-meal. The good news is that this type of bad breath is temporary; the smells will fade as the odorous substances make their way through your system. In the meantime, you can use a mouthwash, drink water, and use sugar-free mints or gums to minimize odors.
A harder-to-treat, more entrenched type of bad breath is the kind that is caused by bacteria build-up. Some patients are surprised to find out that bacteria actually naturally release unpleasant odors when they feed on sugars, and grow and multiply in the mouth. So, in order to conquer chronic bad breath, you really need to address the existing oral bacteria in the mouth.
Here are some things you can do to combat this type of persistent bad breath:
- Follow all of your dentist’s recommendations regarding cleaning your smile at home, and completing professional cleanings and treatments
- Stay hydrated, so that your body is able to produce enough saliva. Saliva works to neutralize bacteria and to re-mineralize and strengthen dental enamel.
- Drink water throughout the day, and get into the habit of rinsing your mouth with water after meals and snacks, as this will help to clear away dental debris and increase saliva in the mouth.
- Incorporate oral health boosting foods into your routine—foods like carrots and celery. Chewing on this type of veggie physically scrapes plaque from dental surfaces, and it ramps up saliva production.
- Be mindful when choosing mints and gum to freshen your breath. It’s best to use sugar-free formulations, as additional sugar can actually compound the underlying problem.
The best way to get started is to schedule a consultation with our O’Fallon dentists. An initial assessment is crucial, so that our team can truly understand the root causes of halitosis. The more information that we have, the better we’ll be able to tailor your treatment plan to suit your specific needs.