There are many causes of bad breath (halitosis) and many people may be unaware they have it. It’s just one of those things that folks are often reluctant to talk about.
Causes include poor oral hygiene, gum disease, sinus and respiratory tract infections, acid reflux and more. But by far, the most common cause is poor oral hygiene. Below is a list of some easy things you can do to prevent or minimize bad breath if you think you may be suffering from it.
- Keep the saliva flowing. Drink plenty of water and chew Xylitol gum.
- Avoid antihistamines and other medications that dry the mouth, if alternative medicines work just as well.
- See your dentist regularly and get prompt treatment for any problems.
- Get your teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist at least twice a year.
- Practice meticulous oral hygiene. That means flossing regularly and brushing your teeth and tongue diligently. That’s right, the tongue. Brushing the upper surface of your tongue every time you brush your teeth removes a lot of gas-producing bacteria.
- Avoid foods (like onions and garlic) you find make your breath smell bad. These foods contain aromatic compounds that are eliminated through the lungs and sweat glands. Keeping your mouth clean will not eliminate these odors!
- Don’t smoke or chew tobacco. They encourage the growth of mouth bacteria and irritate the nose and sinuses, making them more vulnerable to infection.
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash.
- Keep Xylitol breath mints on hand for a quick, if temporary cover-up.
- Finally, relax. It’s simple to reduce bad breath in the morning.
Just remember to always check with us when you are in the office to rule out any systemic causes and to make sure you are doing what is necessary or you to prevent this problem. Don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions or suggestions you may have or contact Dr. Laurence Stone in Doylestown, PA today to schedule your next appointment and we can talk more about this. See you soon!
