5 Easy Tips to Beat Embarrassing Bad Breath
Bad breath can be horrifying and embarrassing for those who suffer from the condition—and for those around them! Don’t accept bad breath as normal, it’s not! Beat it by following these 5 easy tips.
Before I share those tips, let’s be clear on what causes bad breath. Only by understanding the condition fully will you be able to beat it.
What is Bad Breath?
Bad breath normally goes beyond just that familiar sour odor. Chronic bad breath is a symptom. It’s a clear indication to dentists that there’s an underlying problem. The clinical name for the condition is halitosis.
This differs from the occasional bad breath that occurs after eating something pungent like garlic bread but then disappears after brushing your teeth. This is an ongoing condition that some patients can’t seem to shake without the intervention of a dentist.
For these patients, chronic halitosis sufferers experience loss of self-confidence along with the disease.
What Causes Chronic Halitosis?
There are many factors that can cause bad breath. If your oral hygiene is good, but you still suffer from halitosis, schedule an appointment with your dentist asap. This condition is symptomatic of several medical conditions:
- Tooth decay
- Poor oral hygiene/leaving food stuck between the teeth
- Plaque buildup
- Periodontal Gum disease
- Diabetes
- Oral cancer
- Respiratory disease
The most common cause of bad breath is oral hygiene that needs some improvement.
It doesn’t mean that you’re not brushing your teeth, it means you’re not brushing and flossing them well enough! This leaves food decaying between the teeth. As the food breaks down, it gives off foul odors and causes bad breath.
Remember that your dentist is an important partner in your wellness. She will advise you on how to beat bad breath as well as help you pinpoint the exact cause of your bad breath. If she determines the cause is not a medical issue, she will also advise you on the next steps to take to resolve your concern.
So, if the at home tips we are sharing don’t work for you, it’s important that you seek guidance from your dentist.
5 Easy Tips to Beat Bad Breath at Home
Fortunately, most cases of halitosis can be resolved with improvements to your brushing and flossing at home.
Here are 5 tips to try at home that can be a game-changer. These are adjustments to your oral hygiene program that can help you rid yourself of hygiene-related halitosis.
Become a Better Brusher
Most patients swear they brush their teeth twice daily, and they probably do. Yet, bad breath persists. The key might be in ensuring that you are brushing your teeth for at least two minutes, two to three times daily.
Don’t Skip Flossing
Flossing is essential not only to plaque removal, but also to prevent diseases caused by gum inflammation. Flossing should be done daily.
Some patients say the floss daily, but they can’t reach the back teeth very easily. They are right. Those back teeth are difficult to reach. And, that’s the area where we most often detect cavities.
Fortunately, you’re no longer limited to regular dental floss. Try dental floss picks to help you access those back areas.
Try Oral Hygiene Rinse
Swap your mouthwash out for a better oral hygiene rinse. These can help improve the strength of your tooth enamel, calm down gum inflammation, and kill bacteria. Therefore, you are addressing the cause of the bad breath rather than just masking it.
An Apple a Day
Carry an apple with you to work to eat after lunch. Crunching away at an apple or carrot can help freshen your breath when you don’t have access to your toothbrush. Chewing these crunchy foods will help to clear your teeth of sticky food particles. In addition, they stimulate your saliva production and can wash away those errant bits of food as you swallow.
Not only will your doctor be happy if you choose to eat an apple a day, but your dentist will also be pleased!
Choose Water
Swap out soft drinks in favor of water to keep hydrated throughout the day. Beverages such as juice or cola can cause bad breath, stain your teeth, and encourage plaque buildup.
You don’t need to give up your favorite beverages altogether. But, when you can’t brush after enjoying them, water is best.
Wrap-Up
Paying closer attention to your oral care routine at home eliminates the most common cause of bad breath for most people. However, if you’ve tried these tips and the problem persists, you must see your dentist. She will help you rule out underlying health conditions.
On a final note, remember to keep your bi-annual dental appointments. Regular cleanings will help in the fight in the battle against bad breath and also aid in early detection of looming problems.
Setup an appointment today by calling our office or filling out an appointment form here. If you haven’t been to our Humble Tx dentist office before, be sure to take advantage of our “New Patient Special” coupon! We look forward to meeting you.
Financing Available
Our practice is pleased to offer a flexible plan providing convenient monthly payments with various setup & payment options. Financing subject to credit approval. Click here or the logo below to apply online.
Recent Post
Recent Posts
- Smile Makeovers with Dental Implants Will Transform Your Confidence
- Maintaining Oral Hygiene with Invisalign: Tips and Tricks
- Exploring the Science Behind Laser Gum Treatment: How It Works
- Different Types of Dental Crowns: Which Is Right for You?
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: Understanding the Specialty
Meet Dr. Gregory
Dr. Holly J. Gregory practices a full scope of periodontics with expertise ranging from dental implants to laser periodontal treatments, gum grafting, and Dr. Gregory can correct a wide variety of periodontal (gum) disease.
Our office is located at 19502 McKay Blvd., Suite 202, Humble, TX 77338. Call us today at (281) 446-9157.
DR. HOLLY GREGORY AND FAMILY
Testimonial
What Our Patients Say
Billy – New Family Dentistry Patient
How do you describe something that is so superior to anyone else that you have ever experienced. There are no words to describe the skill of Dr. Bollman. She is the best!! I will leave it at that…
New Teeth In Just One Day
From the time I walked in, I noticed a huge difference in the way I was treated here. Dr Gregory and her staff took the time to fully explain my entire procedure and covered all the options available to me. Every pro, every con was explained in detail allowing me to make…
From a Patient Who Had Laser Gum Treatment
I’ve been a patient of Dr. Gregory for the past 6 months and it has been a very pleasant experience. She and her staff are wonderful and have made me feel very comfortable. They are always very upbeat! Dr. Gregory did an excellent job of explaining the procedure…
From a Patient Who Had Gummy Smile Reduction
I was happy to find Dr. Gregory after a previous bad experience. I was very nervous and she put me at ease about the procedure and made a follow-up call that evening to be sure all was well. I will feel very comfortable recommending her to all my friends…
From a patient who had gingival (gum) grafting to cover exposed roots
During the past several years I have had several lengthy procedures (with other doctors) and what seemed like a scary endeavor turned out to be so much better than anticipated (with Dr. Gregory). My overall experiences have been positive and I have felt that I was…
From a patient who had dental implants placed to replace a tooth-supported bridge
I am a dental implant patient. I went through the procedure with great education on the process. I was leery at first. My fixed bridge of 25+ years broke and the recommendation was to receive implants instead of a bridge, which they did not have 25 years ago…
From a patient who had an All-on-4 implant bridge procedure to replace all lower teeth instead of conventional denture fabrication
When Dr. Summers retired and Dr. Gregory took over the practice I have to admit I was a bit nervous. Well that was for naught. Dr. Gregory has a quality that excites admiration. Within minutes she showed that she has a very caring attitude and that she is…
From a patient with medical challenges who needed emergency surgery
There are no words to describe the amount of pain I was in when I came to your office. A trip to my regular dentist revealed a cracked tooth and she referred me to you. I believe this to be a God thing because he could not have sent me…
From a patient who had gingival (gum) grafts performed to cover exposed roots
My experience with Dr. Gregory and her office and staff have been nothing but wonderful. Everyone is thoughtful, caring and professional. Dr. Gregory takes the time to discuss what she feels needs to be done, the procedure and what to expect afterwards…
From a patient who had laser periodontal treatment (LANAP)
I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate Dr. Gregory and her staff. My experiences when visiting her office have been so positive and I feel so encouraged. Normally one feels fear, especially when diagnosed with a gum disease…