It’s no secret that masks can help keep us safe during these times, but they also can make us aware of our own smelly breath. We’ve got just the tips and tricks to help keep your breath smelling fresh!
Before you can treat your bad breath, you have to identify the cause. There can be many causes of bad breath, including but not limited to:
- Food
If you’re going to be wearing a mask all day, you might want to avoid the onion bagel with garlic cream cheese and coffee to-go!
- Smoking
We all know that smoking leaves a scent that is hard to get rid of… But did you know that even brushing regularly may not be enough to combat smoking-related bad breath?
- Oral Health Conditions
There are many oral health conditions that can be the cause of bad breath. Gum disease, tooth decay, cavities and other conditions may be to blame.
You can develop healthy ways to fight back against your bad breath! Good oral hygiene is the best preventive measure you can take daily to keep your breath fresh. In addition to regular dental visits and a good oral hygiene routine, here are our recommendations for fresher breath:
- Floss every day! This can help ensure you don’t miss anything when you brush.
- Quit smoking – smoking can cause many issues, bad breath is just one of the long lasting effects.
- Eat foods that help clean your teeth like apples, celery, and other crunchy fruits and vegetables!
- Don’t forget to brush your tongue or use a tongue scraper! The tongue can harbor lots of bacteria, avoid buildup by keeping it clean.
- Drink lots of water. Water is key to keeping your body healthy and hydrated, but it can also help to flush out bad bacteria and help you avoid a dry mouth!
- Chew sugar-free gum to help keep your mouth hydrated and smelling fresh.
If you feel like you’re doing everything you can and still have bad breath, be sure to talk to your dentist! There are certain bacteria that can produce odors resulting in bad breath and you should consult with your dentist about mouth rinses containing zinc and chlorine compounds that can significantly reduce these odors and improve breath.
Thanks for your support,
Dr. Houlik
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