Bad breath can be a particularly annoying and embarrassing problem, especially when it is chronic and hard-to-treat. That is why our Elmhurst dentists have put together this short article with helpful tips on treating bad breath. Let’s get started!
We all occasionally deal with bad breath due to particularly odorous foods or drinks we’ve consumed. This type of bad breath is temporary, and doesn’t necessarily indicate an oral health issue about which you need to be concerned.
The more worrying type of bad breath is called halitosis; it is chronic and usually caused by a build-up of harmful oral bacteria in the mouth. You see, when oral bacteria feed, grow, and multiply, they release unpleasant odors as a byproduct. In order to beat bad breath for good, you have to prioritize fighting oral bacteria. To that end, you can…
Drink Plenty of Water
It’s crucial that you stay hydrated so that your body is able to produce enough saliva to neutralize bacteria. Untreated dry mouth absolutely puts patients at risk for developing halitosis.
Rinse After Meals
Oral bacteria love sugars and refined carbohydrates. For about 20 to 30 minutes after you eat, oral bacteria on your teeth and gums are active feeding on food particles and growing as a result. In order to make it harder for oral bacteria to capitalize on this time period, you should get into the habit of rinsing your mouth vigorously with water after meals and snacks.
Eat and Sip Smartly
When you understand how oral bacteria feed, grow, and take root in your smile, you can plan your meals and snacks to minimize bacterial growth. Remember that oral bacteria are able to keep feeding on sugars and refined carbohydrates for about 30 minutes after you’re done eating and drinking. Thus, it is better for your smile for you to eat and drink at specific times of the day, rather than continuously. Let’s make it more difficult for bacteria to thrive!
Want to learn more? Please feel free to give our Elmhurst dentists a call!