Here at Crossland Dental Associates, we know how frustrating bad breath can be. Whether you’re on your way to a job interview or about to go on a date with your sweetheart, bad breath has a way of sneaking up on you. Here are some ways to head off halitosis before it ruins your day.

What is Halitosis?

Halitosis, or bad breath, is most often caused by a wide range of factors. From an oral health perspective, most cases of halitosis happen due to the decay of food products that are left behind in the mouth. Things like poor oral hygiene habits or dry mouth can lead to an increase in the presence of bad breath. Not only can these issues lead to more severe dental problems, like cavities and gum disease, they can also go undetected for a long time. That is why it is important to practice good dental care to help protect your teeth and stave off morning breath all day long.

Preventing Bad Breath

The first way to prevent bad breath from forming is to make sure to brush your teeth well at least twice a day. Make sure to brush your teeth for at least two minutes, making rotations with a soft bristle brush as you work your way around your mouth. Pay special attention to your back teeth and tongue to help remove some of the food residues that can cause bacteria to form.

Making sure to regularly floss your teeth can also help prevent bad breath, as food can get stuck between your teeth and lead to further problems down the road. Regular flossing can also help prevent things like cavities and gum disease, so it is important to keep flossing.

While most mouthwashes are a temporary fix when it comes to taking care of bad breath, they can be useful as a quick fix during the day and are effective when paired with other dental hygiene habits. Most mouthwashes can be found in small containers, allowing them to be stored in your purse or in your car for a quick fix on the go.

Chewing gum is another useful tool to help stave off halitosis, as it stimulates the production of saliva. Not only does the fresh smell of gum help mask any unwanted odors, it can help remove left behind particles of food and leave your mouth feeling fresh and clean. Just make sure to invest in gum that is sugar-free to help prevent cavities.

Finally, making sure to visit your dentist regularly can help prevent and treat a wide range of dental issues, including bad breath. In some cases, chronic halitosis can be a sign of a larger underlying health issue and should be checked out by your dentist. Make sure to visit your dentist at least twice a year in order to ensure that your teeth (and your breath) stay as healthy as possible.

At Crossland Dental Associates, we strive to help you keep the best dental health possible, and we’d be happy to answer any question you may have. If you are worried about bad breath, or any other dental issue, feel free to contact our office in Mt. Pleasant, SC to set up an appointment today.