There is nothing like something clean and fresh. Most people enjoy a thoroughly cleaned car or home. Well, the same thing goes for breath! Having a fresh mouth gives you the confidence to freely smile and interact with people. A survey conducted by Match.com even found that 43% of people believe good breath matters the most before a date, even more than great skin, nice hair, or stylish clothes. However, it is estimated that 1 in 4 people suffer from halitosis (bad breath). Here are five helpful tips to keep your smile fresh and odor-free!
#1. Practice Good Oral Hygiene
You have heard it since you were a child and it can never be stated enough: maintaining good oral requires consistent brushing and flossing. Be sure to clean your teeth by brushing twice a day and flossing at least once daily. These essential habits eliminate the build-up of plaque, food particles, and other debris from your mouth. You increase your chances of bad breath if you are not consistent with these practices.
#2. Brush Your Tongue
You brush your pearly whites but what about your tongue? This little habit is often an overlooked step in most people’s oral hygiene routines. Your tongue has many grooves and crevices that bad bacteria, plaque, and food debris can get easily trapped in, resulting in bad breath. By brushing your tongue– or using a tongue scraper–you keep your tongue healthy and odor-free.
#3. Stay Hydrated
Water is not only essential for your overall well-being but your smile too! By drinking enough water every day, you will keep your mouth from drying out, which can cause an overgrowth of bacteria. These microbes are often the reason for halitosis. Staying hydrated will continually freshen your breath by washing away any bacteria and food particles.
#4. Avoid Smoking or Using Tobacco
It’s common knowledge now that tobacco products are harmful to your overall health. However, these poor habits also impact how your mouth smells. Smoking contributes to bad breath by inhaling nicotine and damaging chemicals. Additionally, using tobacco products can dry out your mouth, leaving an unpleasant smell that can remain even after brushing your teeth. Along with the many reasons to quit these habits, having fresh breath can be added to the list!
#5. See Your Dentist Regularly
While a good oral hygiene routine helps keep your smile healthy, there’s another essential part: your dental visits. By attending your checkups and cleanings every six months, your teeth and gums can get the thorough care they need. If you suffer from bad breath, your dentist can examine your mouth and see if there are any dental problems causing it. They can give you a treatment plan to resolve your halitosis and you can be on your way to your healthiest, freshest smile yet!
About the Practice
Clear Coast Dental is eager to help you keep your smile healthy and fresh with its team of dentists. Their team combines decades of expertise and provides a full range of dental services. By using state-of-the-art technology and personalized care, they can help you achieve any of your oral health goals. To schedule an appointment, contact them through their website or call (508) 500-1160.
