Having bad breath is a personal nuisance and can have some serious effects on your interpersonal relationships. It’s difficult to feel confident talking to others when every word you say is accompanied by a foul smell. If you’re currently battling bad breath, here are some tips!
Evaluate Your At-Home Dental Routine
One of the easiest ways to prevent bad breath is to make sure you have a good at-home dental routine going. Do you brush at least once in the morning and once at night for two minutes each time with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste? Do you floss every day?
Clean Your Dental Appliances
If you wear a dental appliance like clear orthodontic aligners, dentures, or a removable bridge, make sure you’re thoroughly cleaning them the recommended number of times each day. When these appliances aren’t kept clean, they can harbor bacteria that contributes to a bad smell. Additionally, meticulously clean your permanent retainer, if you have one, because it can trap food particles and bacteria.
Prevent Dry Mouth
Your saliva helps wash away odor-causing bacteria, so when there’s not enough saliva production, it can cause a foul smell to linger. To prevent dry mouth, stay well hydrated throughout the day, avoid tobacco, and minimize your drinking of alcohol and coffee. If you have an underlying medical condition that causes dry mouth, we suggest using a mouthwash specially formulated to combat dry mouth.
Consult with Sullivan Family Dental
If you’re dealing with persistent bad breath, let us know. Our team can help determine what is contributing to your bad breath and come up with an effective, personalized solution.
At Sullivan Family Dental, we provide a wide range of dental services, including treatment for bad breath. Your oral health is our specialty. Contact us today to set up an appointment!
