Do you or someone you love have bad breath?  Bad breath (also known as halitosis) can be an embarrassing issue that’s often covered up with gum, mints, and mouthwash; however, this is only a temporary solution!  By changing your diet, developing good habits, and addressing any contributing health problems, you can fight off bad breath at the source, for lasting improvement!

Your Diet:

The food you eat is initially broken down in your mouth, sometimes leaving behind strong odors. Garlic and onion are a few obvious foods that should simply be avoided on date night. Other foods and beverages that can leave you with bad breath include: spicy foods, fish, or coffee.

Drinking plenty of water can help to dissolve any odors caused by food (and bacteria) left in your mouth. Foods that can prevent bad breath include fruits and vegetables. Red bell peppers, broccoli, and other vitamin C-rich foods fight bacteria and help to loosen trapped food particles.  Herbs such as parsley and mint can also help to deodorize the mouth.  So healthy foods are great for the mouth and the body, it’s a win-win!

Your Habits:

Developing healthy dental habits can have a significant impact on your breath. Because bad breath is most often caused by bacteria, it is important to brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily to remove any debris. Don’t forget to pay attention to your tongue during your routine as well.  For patients that notice bad breath, we recommend more of a focus on the tongue, using a technique called “tongue scraping.”  Tongue scraping does more than just address the superficial areas of concern, it really helps remove bacteria from the crevices of the tongue.  It’s a great addition to your regular morning brush-and-floss routine!  Ask Dr. Schultz about her recommendations for tongue scrapers, they’ll make a world of difference in kicking bad breath to the curb!

It’s easy to turn to mouth wash to fight bad breath; however, this could actually be making your bad breath worse, in the long run. These rinses often contain alcohol that dries the mouth, making you more susceptible to bad breath.  Ask Dr. Schultz for her recommendations on rinses to use that will leave you minty and fresh!

Your Health:

If your diet and dental hygiene are on point and you still experience bad breath, a medical condition might be the cause. It could be something as mild as blocked sinuses and post-nasal drip, or something more serious. Periodontal disease (inflammation of the gums and loss of bone around the teeth) can also cause bad breath. Certain lung conditions, kidney and liver disease, irritation of the stomach or esophagus, and chronic dry mouth can all be more serious issues to blame.

If you’re ready for life without bad breath, schedule a visit with us! We’ll work with you to determine the cause of your bad breath, and create a plan of action to treat it!  We want all our patients to feel so fresh and so clean!  For more information, contact us today!