Apart from regular dental cleaning, your family dentistry practitioner can share helpful tips to maintain fresh breath. Having a disciplined oral health care routine is of utmost importance. Mentioned below are a few tips to keep your breath minty fresh!
Schedule a dental cleaning
Regular dental exams and cleanings performed by a dentist are essential for maintaining fresh breath. They help to eliminate plaque and tartar buildup, which can cause bad breath.
There are several oral health care habits that one can practice at home to maintain good oral hygiene. Some of them are – brushing twice a day, flossing daily, using mouthwash, drinking plenty of water, and limiting sugary foods and beverages.
Several oral healthcare tools can be beneficial for maintaining fresh breath. Some of these are toothbrushes, tongue scrapers, dental floss, mouthwash, interdental brushes, water flosser, and breath-freshening products.
Take care of your tongue
Taking care of the tongue is important for maintaining fresh breath. Your tongue can harbour bacteria, food debris, and dead cells, which can contribute to bad breath. The tongue has a rough surface and can trap bacteria and debris in its crevices, particularly towards the back of the tongue.
When bacteria and debris accumulate on the tongue, they can hamper your tongue’s health. These bacteria produce volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs) that can cause bad breath. These VSCs have a foul odour and can be particularly strong in the morning, after eating certain foods, or if there is an underlying dental problem. Therefore, keeping your tongue clean can help avoid bad breath.
Cleaning the tongue regularly can help to remove the bacteria and debris that can cause bad breath. You can use a tongue scraper to gently clean your tongue. Be sure to clean the entire surface of your tongue, including the back and sides, and rinse your mouth with water afterward.
Additionally, using a mouthwash or a tongue spray that contains antibacterial agents can also help to reduce the bacteria in your mouth and freshen your breath.
Remember to take care of your wellness and digestive health
Wellness encompasses the overall health of an individual, and it includes oral health as well. However, certain lifestyle factors can disrupt oral health, leading to bad breath. Stress, anxiety, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption are some of the common factors that can negatively impact oral health and cause bad breath.
How do you know your bad breath is a result of digestive issues?
Determining whether the bad breath is a result of digestive issues can involve identifying certain smells that may indicate the source or cause of the problem. For instance, a sweet smell may indicate the presence of diabetes, while a fishy odour may suggest the individual has kidney disease.
Other smells that may be indicative of digestive issues include a sour smell, which could point toward gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or indigestion. A fecal odour could indicate problems in the digestive tract, such as constipation, while a fruity smell may be a symptom of ketoacidosis, a complication of diabetes.
What is the link between digestive health and bad breath?
Digestive health and bad breath are linked in several ways. The digestive system starts with the mouth, where food is broken down by enzymes and mixed with saliva. If the digestive system is not properly functioning, it can lead to bad breath.
Tips that can help
Family dentistry practitioners suggest maintaining good digestive health is essential for preventing bad breath. This can include eating a balanced diet with plenty of fibre, drinking enough water, as well as avoiding foods known to cause bad breath.
Practicing good oral hygiene is very important. This helps eliminate bacteria in the mouth that can contribute to bad breath. If bad breath persists despite these measures, please consult your family dentistry practitioner for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
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