Worried about bad breath? You're not alone. Forty million
Americans suffer from bad breath, or halitosis. Bad breath can get in the way
of your social life. It can make you self-conscious and embarrassed.
Fortunately, there are simple and effective ways to freshen your breath.
1. Brush and floss more frequently.
One of the prime causes of bad breath is plaque, the sticky
build-up on teeth that harbors bacteria. Food left between teeth adds to
the problem. All of us should brush at least twice a day and floss
daily. If you're worried about your breath, brush and floss a little
more often. But don't overdo it. Brushing too aggressively can erode
enamel, making your teeth more vulnerable to decay.
2. Scrape your tongue.
The coating that normally forms on the tongue can harbor
foul-smelling bacteria. To eliminate them, gently brush your tongue with
your toothbrush. Some people find that toothbrushes are too big to
comfortably reach the back of the tongue. In that case, try a tongue
scraper. Tongue scrapers are an essential tool in a proper oral health
care routine. They're designed specifically to apply
even pressure across the surface of the tongue area, removing bacteria,
food debris, and dead cells that brushing alone can’t remove.
3. Avoid foods that sour your breath.
Onions and garlic are the prime offenders. "Unfortunately,
brushing after you eat onions or garlic doesn't help," says dentist
Richard Price, DMD, a spokesperson for the American Dental Association.
"The volatile substances they contain make their way into your blood
stream and travel to your lungs, where you breathe them out." The only
way to avoid the problem is to avoid eating onions and garlic,
especially before social or work occasions when you're concerned about
your breath.
4. Kick the habit.
Bad breath is just one of many reasons not to smoke. Smoking
damages gum tissue and stains teeth. It also increases your risk of oral
cancer. Over-the-counter nicotine patches can help tame the urge to
smoke. If you need a little help, make an appointment to talk to your
doctor about prescription medications or smoking cessation programs that
can help you give up tobacco for good.
5. Rinse your mouth out.
In addition to freshening your breath, anti-bacterial mouthwashes
add extra protection by reducing plaque-causing bacteria. After eating,
swishing your mouth with plain water also helps freshen your breath by
eliminating food particles.
6. Skip after-dinner mints and chew gum instead.
Sugary candies promote the growth of bacteria in your mouth and
add to bad breath problems. Instead, chew sugarless gum. Gum stimulates
saliva, which is the mouth’s natural defense mechanism against plaque
acids which cause tooth decay and bad breath.
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