One of the goals of general dentistry is to help patients defeat and prevent bad breath, which can be difficult to do without the proper precautions in place. By understanding what daily oral care techniques to implement, however, you can effectively avoid bad breath from developing.
From dry mouth to eating onions and garlic, bad breath can be the result of a number of different causes. The following are five effective general dentistry tips on how to avoid the issue from developing and ensuring that your breath stays fresh and smelling great at all times.
The first and perhaps most effective way to defeat bad breath is to practice good oral hygiene, which should include brushing several times each day, flossing and using mouthwash at least once a day and checking for signs of oral health complications often. By ensuring a proper oral care routine is in place, you can avoid bacteria and food particles from accumulating and causing bad breath.
Another useful general dentistry tip — and one that not enough people utilize — is drinking water frequently throughout the day. A common cause of bad breath is dry mouth, which develops when there is a lack of saliva production. By sipping on water, the mouth stays lubricated, and bacteria and food particles that gather in the mouth can be kept at a minimum.
There are certain foods and drinks that may taste amazing but can be detrimental to oral health and contribute to bad breath. These foods and drinks include but are not limited to onions, garlic, dairy products, coffee, alcohol and citrus fruits. While, of course, it is okay to consume these foods and drinks, do so in moderation and ensuring good oral care is practiced afterward.
Another common reason people suffer from chronic bad breath is the use of tobacco, particularly smoking tobacco. There are several reasons for this, not the least of which is the fact that tobacco increases the chance of dry mouth and developing excess bacteria on the surface of teeth. While quitting is the most ideal solution, it is still absolutely essential for those who use tobacco to stay consistent with their oral hygiene routine.
A mistake that many with bad breath make is thinking that they only need to visit the dentist when there is an oral health concern, believing that bad breath does not fall into this category. However, visiting the dentist on a regular basis for a check-up and routine cleaning can help ensure that halitosis is avoided and the mouth is kept clean.
If you suffer from bad breath and want to learn more about how general dentistry can help you keep fresh breath and good oral health overall, consult with us today and schedule a time to come in for a visit. Everyone should have the luxury of good breath, and we can guide you through each step of the process until good oral health is achieved.
Request an appointment here: https://www.cosmeticdentistoffice.com or call Rachel Cole DDS PC at (503) 248-1114 for an appointment in our Portland office.
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