Simple Remedies to Banish Bad Breath

Chewing sugarless gum is one way to battle bad breath

Chewing sugarless gum is one way to battle bad breath

You hate to admit it, but you have bad breath from time to time, right? It’s a common occurrence and typically nothing to cause undue concern. Chronic bad breath – that is, bad breath that’s present all the time and that you can’t get rid of – is something that needs to be addressed by the dentist. It can be caused by tooth decay, gum disease, or another condition that requires professional treatment. Garden-variety halitosis (the medical name for bad breath) can often be prevented or treated with simple remedies. St. Charles MO dentist Dr. Jeffrey Smith tells you how.

A Simple Explanation

Bad breath is typically caused by a buildup of bacteria in the mouth that emits a foul odor. The food you eat can cause foul breath, too. Strong-smelling foods like onions and garlic can leave breath less than fresh. As your food digests, it’s absorbed into your bloodstream. Strong odors from foods are present in your breath and noticeable to others when you exhale.

As Close as Your Kitchen…and Your Bathroom

Some of the simplest and most effective bad breath treatments can be found in your home.

  • Brushing and flossing after meals eliminates odor-causing oral bacteria. If you can, take a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss with you so that you’ll always have the tools you need to keep teeth clean and breath fresh.
  • Swishing mouthwash around in your mouth doesn’t just mask odor. Mouthwashes that contain antiseptic agents can reduce plaque and reduce the risk of gum disease, limiting the substances in the mouth that can contribute to bad breath.
  • Staying hydrated by drinking lots of water can help eliminate bad breath. The oxygen in your saliva combats the noxious substances that cause mouth odor. Increased water consumption results in increased saliva flow, a bane to bacteria’s existence.
  • Eating crunchy fruits and veggies can act as a natural toothbrush to remove dental plaque and eliminate the food source for bad-breath-causing bacteria.
  • Sipping on green tea may help, as well. Studies show that the polyphenols in this popular drink combat sulfur compounds in the mouth, thereby curbing bad breath.
  • Chewing sugar free gum increases the flow of saliva to keep breath fresh.

Make an appointment with St. Charles MO dentist Dr. Smith to learn more.