What Can I Do to Prevent Bad Breath?

It’s normal to have bad breath after you eat something potent, like a garlic-heavy dish for example. But what happens if you notice a foul mouth odor no matter what you’re eating? While certain foods are definitely behind occasional bad breath, there are many other causes of halitosis (the formal name for consistent bad breath). Here are some of the things you can do to prevent bad breath, whatever the reason may be.

Maintain a Healthy Dental Routine

One of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent bad breath is to stick to a healthy, at-home dental routine. That means you shouldn’t skip out on your regular brushing and flossing. Brush twice a day for two minutes each time, floss at least once a day, and don’t go to bed before cleaning your teeth. Remember to also brush your tongue to get rid of the odor-causing bacteria there too!

Stay Hydrated

Dry mouth and bad breath often go hand in hand. To avoid a dry mouth, steer clear of tobacco, drink water rather than coffee or alcohol, and chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production. If dry mouth is a symptom of one of your medications, you may want to discuss with your doctor about possible alternatives.

Consult Oakboro Family Dentistry

Since there’s such a range of possibilities for why your breath might smell bad, the best thing you can do is talk to a dental professional. After a check-up and consultation, we should be able to help you determine the cause of your specific case of halitosis. We’ll suggest personalized treatment to bring you back to fresh, clean breath. As part of our comprehensive dental services, we offer oral exams, professional cleanings, and so much more. Call or email our Oakboro practice today to set up your visit! Dr. Bobo, Dr. Riley and the rest of our hardworking team look forward to seeing you.

Categorised in: Family Dental Care, General Dentistry, Oral Health