We will all suffer with bad breath at some point over our lifetime. Bad breath is a very common problem and is caused by a variety of different things. The most common cause of persistent bad breath is bacteria present on your teeth, gums and tongue. It can also be caused when food trapped between your teeth starts to rot or by strong smelling foods such as garlic, onions or coffee.
If you think you might have bad breath, there is a simple test that you can do. Just lick the inside of your wrist and sniff – if the smell is bad, you can be fairly sure that your breath is too.
Here at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre we have come up with 5 top tips to keep your breath smelling minty fresh this summer.
1. Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day
Brush your teeth for at least two minutes, twice a day, with a fluoride toothpaste. This will help to ensure that any plaque or food debris is removed, if left this provides an ideal breeding ground for bad breath causing bacteria. Don’t forget to also change your toothbrush every three months or sooner if it becomes worn to ensure that you are brushing your teeth effectively.
2.Use Interdental Cleaning Aids
Brushing only cleans around 60% of the tooth surface, it is therefore important to ensure you also use interdental cleaning aids such as floss, interdental brushes or tape to reach the areas in between teeth that brushing misses.
3.Stop Smoking
Smoking provides a bad breath all of its own. Tobacco dries out the mouth and can leave an unpleasant smell that lingers even after brushing. The only way to prevent this is to quit smoking. Your dentist will be able to give you help and advice regarding smoking cessation help.
4.Chew Sugar Free Gum
Chewing sugar free gum helps to stimulate saliva flow. This helps to wash away any food debris and bacteria left on teeth, which if left can lead to bad breath.
5.Visit the Dentist Regularly
By attending for regular dental appointments, the dentist is able to identify any problems which may be exacerbating your bad breath such as infections or gum disease. They may also refer you to your doctor for further investigations.
If you would like further help and advice to prevent bad breath, call Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre on 01622 682029 and book an appointment today.