We’ve all been there. Whether it’s only when you wake up in the morning or if it lingers throughout the day, bad breath can be a frustrating problem to deal with, especially on the regular. Most bad breath starts in your mouth and there are many different reasons that it can come about. The good thing is that you don’t need to put up with it any longer. Your dentist in Chesterton share some common causes of halitosis and steps that you can take to reduce it.
What Causes Bad Breath?
There are several different things that can contribute to bad breath. Here are the most common:
- Poor Dental Hygiene: If you aren’t brushing your teeth and flossing on a daily basis, food particles will remain in your mouth and cause bacteria to grow leading to bad breath.
- Food: Some foods leave stronger scents than others. If you are a fan of adding flavor to your dishes with onions, garlic, and other spices, you are likely to have the aftereffect of bad breath,
- Dry Mouth: Saliva is helpful for washing away food particles. When your mouth gets too dry, it provides the perfect breeding ground for foul smelling bacteria.
- Tobacco: If you smoke, you are likely to have bad breath as a result.
How Can You Reduce Bad Breath?
Take the following steps in order to reduce halitosis:
- Good Oral Hygiene: Brush twice and floss once a day to remove plaque and food debris that is causing bad breath. Don’t forget to brush or scrape your tongue using a toothbrush or tongue scraper.
- Use Mouthwash: Swishing around a mouth rinse can mask the odor in your mouth. However, if your halitosis is a result of a dental issue, it will only be a temporary solution and can worsen the problem.
- Stop Smoking: Ask your doctor, friends, and family about the best ways you can quit. It will improve your breath.
- Chew Gum: Sugar-free gum stimulates saliva flow which can get to the root cause of your bad breath.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink enough water throughout the day to prevent dry mouth. Try keeping a glass or bottle of water by your bed at night so you can sip on it if you get thirsty.
If you’re concerned about your bad breath, it doesn’t hurt to speak to your dentist about possible solutions. They will be able to help you get to the root of the problem. By using some of these steps, you will have a fresh smile in no time!
About the Practice
At Advanced Dental Concepts, you have not one, but two skilled dentists providing a wide variety of services under one roof. Dr. Danny Hayes earned his dental degree from the Temple University School of Dentistry in Philadelphia. Dr. Stephen Koveck earned his doctorate from the Indiana University School of Dentistry in Indianapolis. They are members of the American Dental Association, Indiana Dental Association, and several more. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (219) 926-7595.