Almost any person you ask has had bad breath at one point or another in their lives. In fact around 90 million people in America suffer from this very thing. This can range from the all too common “morning breath” to the more severe cases where the condition is chronic. Some people experience bad breath throughout the day which can lend itself to some awkward and unpleasant social and professional situations.
Here are some obvious and some not-so-obvious reasons for bad breath:
1. Brushing and Flossing
One of the more obvious causes of bad breath is improper brushing and flossing. Proper brushing and flossing will get rid of the plaque build up that occurs on a day to day basis. Plaque contains bacteria which can contribute to bad breath. For optimum results, brush at least twice a day, and floss once each day. Be sure to practice proper dental hygiene at home.
2. Clean your Tongue
Your tongue can be home to many food particles and bacteria as it has a rough surface which can easily collect such things. Brushing your tongue with your toothbrush can help get rid of some of this debris. You can also use a tongue cleaner in order to clean it more thoroughly.
3. Drink More Water
One of the reasons why most people wake up with morning breath is because when you sleep you don’t produce as much saliva. When your mouth gets dry, bacteria thrive. So, the first thing in the morning, your breath tends to smell the worst.
Drinking water throughout the day helps keep the mouth clean, wash out food particles, and encourages the production of saliva. Try to keep hydrated to avoid a dry mouth and bad breath.
4. Regular Dental Visits
Last but not least, you need to go to the dentist regularly! Whether it is for a regular cleaning, or to fill a cavity, regular visits to the dentist will help prevent bad breath. During a regular cleaning, the tartar that has built up on your teeth is removed. Tartar, like plaque, contains bacteria and can have a foul smell, so getting rid of it is important. Also, ridding the mouth of any tooth decay will help get rid of excess bacteria in the mouth.
These tips should help any case of bad breath. Try them and see for yourself!