Tips For Keeping Your Breath Fresh

Fresh breath can help ensure that you leave a positive impression on those with whom you interact. However, many people don’t know how to keep their breath smelling its freshest. Here are a few tips.

Use antibacterial mouthwash.

The odor associated with morning breath often stems from volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) that are released by anaerobic bacteria that live within your mouth. As the number of these bacteria decline, your breath improves.

Anti-bacterial mouthwash kills the microbes inside your mouth. Since the mouthwash is a liquid, it can easily reach the numerous cracks and crevices inside your oral cavity, including those located on the tongue.

Many types of antibacterial mouthwash contain chlorhexidine as an active ingredient. However, some antibacterial rinses include alcohol as the antimicrobial agent. Alcohol-based mouthwashes are often not preferred because they can dry out the tissues of your mouth. Without enough saliva to rinse away oral bacteria throughout the day, the odors of your mouth may quickly resurge. Thus, it is typically best to stick with alcohol-free antibacterial rinses.

To ensure that you use the mouthwash regularly, simply add it to the end of your morning and evening brushing and flossing routines.

Rinse with water after meals and snacks.

Even if you don’t have a toothbrush handy, as long as drinking water is available, you can clean your mouth. Rinse immediately after eating to ensure that most leftover debris that could contribute to bad breath is removed. Rinsing with water also helps neutralize acids within your mouth to help protect the health of your teeth and gums.

Chew gum that contains cinnamon or xylitol.

Cinnamon-flavored gum can help control the oral bacteria within your mouth as the cinnamon flavoring helps to fragrance your oral cavity. Cinnamaldehydes present in the spice have antibacterial attributes. Thus, as you chew, you are freshening your breath in two ways.

The sweetener in your sugarless gum may also promote better breath. One natural sweetener that is often used to enhance the flavor of sugarless gum is xylitol, which is known for its antibacterial characteristics. Gum with xylitol can help limit the number of odor-causing bacteria within your mouth as you chew.

The mechanical action of chewing gum can also help keep bad breath at bay by removing particles of leftover food that may be trapped against your teeth. If left in place, the leftover debris can deteriorate within your mouth, releasing a foul odor.

Stop smoking.

The nicotine within tobacco can constrict the blood vessels of your mouth and reduce the amount of saliva that is produced. These effects can result in the bad breath that is frequently associated with smokers. After a person stops smoking, blood flow inside the mouth and saliva production should normalize.

Stay hydrated.

Drinking adequate amounts of water can also affect the smell of your breath. Water is needed to provide liquid for adequate saliva production. In addition, as you drink water, it rinses away leftover food particles and oral bacteria that may be residing in your mouth.

Brush and floss regularly.

Brushing and flossing remove plaque and debris to help ensure that your mouth remains clean. In addition, they discourage the development of tooth decay and gum disease. Dental infections can result from decay and gum inflammation. Like other bacterial infections, those of the mouth may emit unpleasant odors.

Use a tongue scraper.

Anaerobic oral bacteria often rest on the tongue. Since these microbes are major contributors to bad breath, cleaning the tongue properly can be an important step in avoiding halitosis. As a tongue scraper rakes across the surface of your tongue, it removes bacteria, along with their byproducts and plaque.

Visit your dentist.

During a routine appointment, your dentist often provides preventive services, such as professional dental cleanings that remove tartar. As tartar is scraped from your mouth, plaque and oral bacteria cannot hide in its pores.

Also, your dentist can provide restorative care to rid your mouth of odor-causing decay. In addition, he or she can treat gum health issues that result in bad breath.

To receive dental treatment and learn more ways to maintain fresher breath, contact our office to schedule an appointment.