11257 Alta Dr. Suite 101 Jacksonville, FL 32226
get rid of bad breath

How to Get Rid of Bad Breath

Dr. Sara Makary

Halitosis or bad breath is a common problem in the world, which can be embarrassing to anyone at any given time. Whether it is due to lack of dental hygiene, improper diet or an illness, the best approach to get rid of bad breath can enhance one’s self esteem and dental health. At Northpoint Dental we are committed to providing our patients with fresh breath and healthy teeth.

1. Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene

Another way of reducing bad breath is paying a lot of attention to good oral hygiene. Bacterial deposits on the tongue, teeth and gums can cause stinking odors. To combat this:

  • Brush twice a day: Ensure you brush for at least two minutes on each occasion, and cover all aspects of your teeth.
  • Floss daily: Flossing is a way to reach between your teeth and clean out food and bacteria that the toothbrush cannot get to.
  • Clean your tongue: The tongue also has bacteria that cause the breath to smell, so scraping the tongue or brushing it may help.

Following a proper oral hygiene regime, you can effectively eliminate the cavities that cause the problem.

2. Stay Hydrated

Keto breath or bad breath is made worse by dry mouth (xerostomia) since saliva helps to clean food particles and bacteria. When your mouth is dry, bacteria grow and this causes some unpleasant smells. One way of preventing dry mouth and bad breath is to drink a lot of water during the day. If you are a chronic sufferer of dry mouth, Dr. Sara Makary of Northpoint Dental can suggest remedies including saliva drops or chewing gums.

3. Watch Your Diet

There are some foods and drinks that cause the production of foul smell in the mouth. Foods with pungent smells like garlic, onions and spicy foods can cause odor to remain in your mouth. Furthermore, intake of foods rich in sugar causes bacterial growth which leads to production of bad breath.

To minimize bad breath:

  • Limit odorous foods: It is better to avoid the consumption of foods that cause production of bad breath in the morning or before meetings.
  • Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables: Tough fruits and vegetables such as apple and carrot aid in scraping off tartar from your teeth and gums thus making your breath fresh.

4. Quit Smoking and Tobacco Use

Smoking is one of the leading causes of oral halitosis. Smoking not only makes you stink but also dries your mouth and thus creates a fertile ground for bacterial growth. Smoking and other tobacco products are not only bad for your breath but also for your oral and total health if you cease using them.

5. Use Mouthwash or Gum

Mouthwash can help control bad breath for a short period of time but should select an antibacterial mouthwash to treat the root of the problem. Chlorhexidine or other antibacterial mouth rinse can help to decrease the bacteria that cause the bad breath.

Sugar-free gums also contain suitable compounds for chewing, which encourages the flow of saliva; saliva moistens the mouth and cleans food debris and bacteria too.

6. Address Underlying Health Issues

At other times, halitosis may be symptomatic of an underlying medical condition including gum disease, sinusitis or gastrointestinal disorders. If you have chronic bad breath, you should see your dentist at Northpoint Dental for an assessment. Dr. Sara Makary will perform a check up to see if you have gum disease, cavities, or any other condition that may be causing your bad breath and advise you on the necessary action to take.

7. Regular Dental Check-Ups

This is perhaps the best way of preventing the occurrence of bad breath and Northpoint Dental should be your dentist of choice. When you are seeing Dr. Makary and her team during your visits, they will always clean your teeth in a way that will eliminate the plaque and tartar that causes the bad breath. These visits also allow us to diagnose any dental or health problems that may be causing halitosis.

Book An Appointment Today!

Getting rid of bad breath is possible when a healthy dental hygiene routine in combination with diet control is invested in and ensured. If you continue to experience bad breath, please feel free to call Northpoint Dental in Jacksonville. If you want to keep your breath smelling fresh, it is recommended to visit Dr. Sara Makary for help. Visit us today for an appointment and get professional advice on how to maintain a healthy breath.

11257 Alta Dr. Suite 101 Jacksonville, FL 32226
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