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Besides not contracting COVID or various illnesses, what are the benefits of wearing face masks? Not having to wear makeup might come to mind for some, but certainly not having to deal with anyone’s bad breath would rank even higher on the list.

It can be difficult to be polite to someone who wanders into your personal space and starts talking up a storm. You obviously don’t want to be the distributor of bad breath in South Austin, and fortunately, your dentist can help in that department.

Read on to find out some causes of bad breath and how to get rid of it.

WHAT ARE SOME REASONS YOU GET BAD BREATH?

Bad breath can be a result of an underlying condition like periodontal disease, tonsillitis, dental abscess, gastroesophageal reflux disease, diabetes, or gingivitis. Oftentimes, it can be something less serious like eating certain foods (garlic, onions, spices), drinking strong-smelling beverages like coffee and alcohol, smoking, low-carb or crash diets, certain medications, or poor dental hygiene. That last one is actually a serious concern, but you get the idea.

WHAT ARE SOME WAYS I CAN DITCH BAD BREATH?

Here are some tips to combat bad breath, aka halitosis, which usually originates from the teeth and gums:

• Snack on Carrots, Celery, or an Apple: Eating crispy fruits and vegetables is another way to step up your saliva flow. Also, an empty stomach from skipping meals can cause bad breath due to the buildup of stomach acid.
• Chew Sugarless Gum: Sugarless gum or sugarless candy can help stimulate saliva flow. The saliva helps remove food debris and bacteria.
• Stay Hydrated: Try to drink at least 48-64 ounces of water over the course of each day to avoid dry mouth. Water helps combat odor since it helps wash away food particles and bacteria.
• Avoid Tobacco Products: Smoking contributes to bad breath. Tobacco often dries out your mouth and even brushing your teeth might not remove the unpleasant smell.
• Brush Your Teeth Twice Daily: Brush your teeth for two minutes at least twice a day to remove plaque and food debris. It’s particularly important to brush your teeth before bedtime. Perhaps consider a daily round of brushing with baking soda.
• Floss Daily: Flossing removes food debris from in between teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach. Skipping flossing allows bacteria to begin feeding on what brushing left behind, which causes bad breath.
• Brush or Scrape Your Tongue: To remove residue that may be accumulating between the folds in the tongue and the taste buds, you can get an inexpensive tongue scraper. Brushing your tongue with a toothbrush will also work.
• Rinse with Mouthwash: Beyond mouthwash you might buy at the drugstore, consider rinsing your mouth with black or green tea. According to a study by the University of Illinois at Chicago, rinsing your mouth with black or green tea suppresses the growth of odor-causing bacteria.
• Visit Your Dentist: Of course, the most important thing you can do to battle bad breath is visit your dentist regularly. They can make sure you don’t have any dental problems causing it. If your dentist believes the issue is caused by an internal source like an infection, they may refer you to a specialist.

Bad breath is always lurking around the corner in case you give it the opportunity to pay a visit. But if you are diligent about these tips daily you can help ensure that it will be someone else’s unwanted guest to worry about.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Jack Fan had an interesting experience in college that led him toward dentistry. He joined a volunteer organization that hosted many medical outreaches in Mexico, and he saw firsthand how dental services were always in very high demand. Dr. Fan realized that oral healthcare was a service where his efforts could make a direct, positive impact, plus it was a great fit for his natural talents. Today, he couldn’t imagine working in any other profession. Dr. Fan loves to cook, especially stir-fry dishes, and as your dentist in South Austin, he knows that some foods are potential culprits to bring about bad breath. A dental cleaning and exam is a sensible step in your efforts to prevent bad breath, not to mention all the other benefits of a healthy mouth. If you need to schedule an appointment, you can visit his website or call (512) 361-4288.