Tips to Prevent Bad Breath

Bad breath, also called halitosis, can be unpleasant to have and in some cases may even cause anxiety. Everybody occasionally has foul breath, especially after consuming meals like garlic, onions, or other pungent flavors. However, persistent bad breath, or chronic halitosis, may indicate that you have a problem with your oral health or a condition that is impacting another portion of your body. Continue reading to find out more about halitosis and how to avoid having foul breath. 

What are the symptoms of halitosis?

Having halitosis can have a major impact on a person, causing them to lose confidence. The main halitosis symptom to look out for is foul-smelling breath that doesn’t go away. The odor may be strong enough for other people to notice. Other symptoms of halitosis may include dry mouth, build-up around the teeth, thick saliva, and a constant sour, bitter metallic taste. 

What is the most common cause of bad breath?

Halitosis is most frequently brought on by bad dental hygiene. Harmful bacteria infect your mouth and grow out of control without regular dental cleanings, flossing, and other forms of good oral care. This can lead to several oral health issues like halitosis, cavities, and gum disease.

How can I prevent halitosis?

Proper oral hygiene is the best way to keep your breath smelling clean and fresh. Here are some general guidelines:

  • Brush twice a day, for at least two minutes each time, and floss once a day. Remember to clean your tongue with your brush or a tongue scraper, which you can buy in the oral health aisle.
  • Use an alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash.
  • See your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. For some people, this may be every six months. But others may need more frequent visits to keep their oral health in check.
  • Drink a lot of water to help prevent dry mouth.
  • Boost the production of saliva by using sugar-free chewing gum, sucking on sugar-free candy, or eating healthy foods that require a lot of chewing. Your dentist might recommend or prescribe products that can produce artificial saliva or help your body produce saliva.
  • Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco products because they can dry out your mouth.

If you practice good hygiene and you still have halitosis, our team of experts is here to help! Contact us to schedule an appointment so we can help find the underlying cause.