Having bad breath can be embarrassing and frustrating. Brushing your teeth, gums and tongue sometimes just don’t cut the bad breath blues. A dentist or cosmetic dentist can help you determine the cause of bad breath if you cannot figure it out on your own. While you might think that changing your toothpaste will fix your stinky breath; toothpastes and mouthwashes are sometimes just a cover-up, like placing a bandage on top of a splinter. Without removing the source or at least pin-pointing the source of bad breath with the help of a cosmetic dentist, you might spend a lot of time and money and only end up frustrated.
Here are some tips to help with bad breath blues:
- Set up an oral health regimen and stick to it. Oral health regimens, or daily routines, help to keep your mouth healthy and clean so that nature can do its work. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day and after each time you eat helps to remove food debris and plaque. Brushing your gums helps to remove plaque buildup and prevent gum disease, brushing your tongue helps to keep breath fresh. Food particles in your mouth are broken down by saliva and when they are not swallowed or cleaned out, they cause bad breath.
- Visit your dentist or cosmetic dentist regularly. At least twice a year. Regular checkups and professional teeth cleaning help to cut down on plaque build up in places you miss when brushing and flossing. Plus, dentists can detect and treat dry mouth, periodontal disease, and more problems that can cause bad breath.
- Quit smoking. Smoking damages teeth and causes bad breath. Most cosmetic dentists can suggest ways to help kick your smoking habit.
- Hydrate yourself. Without a moist mouth, you help to wash away food particles and bacteria. Surprisingly enough, chewing gum and sucking on candy can also help your mouth keep hydrated because it helps stimulate saliva production.
- Watch what you eat. Certain foods simulate bad breath. Garlic, onion, and other strong smelling foods can cause bad breath because they are digested in your stomach and the smell can creep back up your throat.
If you are unable to pinpoint your bad breath cause, contact your dentist or cosmetic dentist to schedule an appointment for a consultation. Bad breath can be embarrassing and humiliating, especially if you have tried multiple ways to combat it. Contact your cosmetic dentist to find out more ways to help combat bad breath and to set up an oral health regimen.