Though we all experience bad breath every once in a while – whether it be due to something we ate or simply a case of dry mouth in the morning – but the fact that it affects everyone now and then doesn’t make it any less embarrassing when it happens to us. At Dental Expressions in Oklahoma City, OK, Dr. Colin Holman and Dr. Natalie Frazier want to give you all of the information you need to maintain a clean, healthy mouth and get rid of bad breath.
Find the Culprit, Find the Cure
Some people suffer from chronic bad breath caused by an underlying condition, like liver problems, or because they take certain medications. If you regularly detect an unpleasant taste and associated odor in your mouth, we recommend coming in for an exam at Dental Expressions. We can check for signs of periodontal disease (more commonly known as gum disease), an infection of the gums that can contribute to persistent bad breath.
If you’re otherwise healthy and you still have problems controlling the odor of your breath, keep the following in mind:
- Don’t skip the floss. Food particles that become lodged between the teeth and along the gum line can quickly foul up the smell of your breath, especially if these particles remain hidden for days. Flossing twice a day when you brush your teeth can help keep bad breath at bay.
- Stay hydrated. A dry mouth smells worse than one that has a proper pH balance and sufficient saliva. Drink between 8 and 10 glasses of water per day for improved oral health and overall physical well being.
- Rinse with antibacterial mouthwash. Oftentimes, brushing and flossing simply aren’t enough to rid your mouth of potentially harmful bacteria. A mouthwash used after you brush can rinse away the germs that make your breath smell bad and even protect against future plaque buildup.
- Brush your tongue – If you see a sticky, pale film form on your tongue, particularly toward the back of your mouth, it’s likely that you’re harboring excess bacteria there. Brush your tongue gently but firmly enough to get rid of that buildup or use a tongue scraper for better comfort and efficiency.
Take Control of Your Oral Health!
If problems with bad breath have caused you unnecessary embarrassment and you’re looking for a solution that offers real results, contact us at our Oklahoma City, OK office today and talk with Drs. Holman and Frazier. We also happily serve patients throughout the surrounding areas of Norman, Moore, Midwest City and beyond. We look forward to seeing you soon!
