Dental hygiene is very important, but brushing your teeth twice a day and chewing gum may not be enough. Even after this daily routine, you can still have bad breath. There are scientifically proven cases of what may be the reasons behind bad breath.
We researched and compiled a list of things to do and not do in dental hygiene. Get ready to change your daily routine!
How to Avoid Bad Breath
9. Drink Plenty Of Water
Water is never a bad idea. Enough water stimulates salivary flow and helps prevent dehydration, which is often a reason for halitosis.
Tip: Make it a habit to have a few sips of water every time someone calls your name at school or at work.
8. Clean Your Dentures
Caring for dentures is as important as caring for your teeth; therefore, you must treat them properly.
Practice the same oral hygiene that you would use with your original teeth. Make a habit of cleaning them at night to kill bacteria that build up in food.
7. Remember To Floss After Every Meal
Food particles that stay in between your teeth for a long time act in exactly the same way as if you left the trash can full: they stink.
Food bacteria are well below the gum line and can cause not only bad breath but also infections. That is why flossing is no less important than brushing your teeth.
6. Do Not Neglect Your Tongue
When brushing your teeth in the morning, remember to clean your tongue with the scraper. It has been shown to reduce odor by up to 70%.
Tip: To kill 2 birds with one stone, you can get a toothbrush with a cheek and tongue cleaner on the back.
5. Go For Alcohol-free Mouthwash
© Listerine
Many brands of mouthwash contain up to 27% alcohol in their ingredients. It dries the mouth and, as we have already learned, produces an unpleasant odor after the freshness of the mint disappears in an hour.
Therefore, the next time you buy mouthwash, carefully check the label to make sure alcohol is not on the list.
Tip: A mouthwash containing chlorhexidine can also stain your teeth over time.
4. Avoid Sugar Mints
Sugar is usually added to sweets that we expect to have after a meal. And that’s exactly what helps bacteria grow in our mouth.
It can also make bad breath worse when the chewing gum or mint disappears.
Therefore, we can conclude that sweetened fresheners are not in the long run. If you need to use mints, go for the sugar-free type.
3. Check For Tonsil Stones
© Depositphotos.com, © Depositphotos.com
If you don’t know, tonsil stones are a mix of debris and bacteria found deep in the throat.
They look like white spots or bumps and smell really nasty. To prevent them from happening, follow a proper hygiene routine, and visit your dentist regularly.
2. Watch Your Scales
Another risk factor for halitosis is obesity. Researchers from Tel Aviv University have published a study that found a direct link between being overweight and bad breath: the more obese you are, the more likely your breathing is not as pleasant as you would like.
1. Say No To A Low Carb Diet
Those who like low carb diets and Atkins will recognize the word “ketosis”. This is a process that forces the body to burn stored fat and protein for energy due to a lack of carbohydrates.
If your diet is too strict, your body will release chemicals like ketones that cause odor.
With these rules, your breath will be healthy and more people will gladly strike up a conversation with you!
Preview photo credit Depositphotos.com, Depositphotos.com