According to the American Dental Association, nearly 1 in 4 Americans have bad breath – that is millions of people! Are you one of those millions? If you notice your coworkers always sit far away from you at group meetings or family members avoid your hugs at the holidays, the answer may be “yes”. If you want to reclaim your reputation and freshen up your breath, be sure to read these 5 tips from a dentist in San Marcos.
Tip #1: Perfect Your Brushing Technique
Practicing good oral hygiene can help prevent bad breath, but only if you use the proper brushing technique. The most effective way to clean your teeth is to place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums and gently brush back in forth using short strokes. Be sure to brush the outer, inner and chewing surfaces of your teeth. Do this at least two times a day for a full two minutes each time.
Tip #2: Clean Your Tongue
Your tongue can be a breeding ground for dead cells, bacteria and tiny bits of food. In addition to brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day, but sure to give your tongue a daily scrub as well. Using your regular toothbrush works just fine, or you can pick up a tongue scraper from your local drug store.
Tip #3: Keep Your Mouth Moist
When your mouth is overly dry, it allows odor-causing bacteria to flourish. Dry mouth can be caused by:
- Salivary gland problems
- 400 common medications for which dry mouth is a side-effect
- Breathing through your mouth instead of your nose
Try bringing a refillable water bottle to work and drinking from it often. Chewing on sugar-free gum or sucking on hard candies can also keep your mouth moist by encouraging saliva production.
Tip #4: Avoid Smelly Foods
Certain foods are naturally smelly and can linger on your breath long after you have finished your meal. For example, eating dishes that contain the following foods may be the reason your coworkers don’t want to sit next to you after lunch:
- Onions
- Garlic
- Vinegar
- Bleu cheese and certain other cheeses
Try to avoid eating these items frequently and brush your teeth immediately afterward when do you indulge.
Tip #5: Watch Your Diet
Popular low-carb and no-carb diets may help you lose weight, but they can also lead to something called “Keto breath”.
When you do not eat enough carbohydrates, your body switches to burning fat instead of sugar. When the body uses fat and ketones as its primary fuel source, this is called Ketosis. While Ketosis may help you slim down, fat-burning also causes unpleasant-smelling chemicals to be released in the breath – hence, “Keto breath”.
Whether as a side-effect of an important medication or just because you cannot get enough garlic in your life, bad breath can negatively affect your social life and reputation. Follow the 5 tips above from a dentist in San Marcos to keep your mouth smelling fresh!
About the Author
Dr. J. Robert Donnelly is an experienced dentist with over 1,600 hours of continuing dental education under this belt. The Marine Corps veteran is an active member of a number of professional dental organizations and enjoys volunteering his services to communities in need. For more oral care tips, visit the San Marcos Gentle Dental website or call Dr. Donnelly at 512-396-5225.