Helpful Ways to Beat Bad Breath

Living with bad breath is embarrassing for you and offensive to those around you, but you don’t have to suffer in silence. Here are some quick tips to help you get rid of it.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

The primary cause of bad breath may be due to cavities, tooth decay and gum disease. The best way to prevent not only bad breath but serious dental problems down the road is to brush twice a day and floss daily. And don’t forget to visit your dentist twice a year for a check-up.

Use Mouthwash
Rinsing out your mouth with mouthwash not only keeps your breath fresh, it also helps get rid of bacteria. Look for a mouthwash that is specifically made to kill germs that cause bad breath.

Don’t Neglect Your Tongue
Your tongue is the perfect place for bacteria to grow. Get rid of it by using a soft-bristled toothbrush and gently brush your tongue from front to back. This will eliminate bacteria and dead cells, leaving your mouth feeling fresh and clean.

Stay Hydrated
When your mouth is dry, it’s more apt to cause bad breath. Drinking the recommended 6 to 8 glasses of water each day will help combat dry mouth and help produce the saliva needed to keep it at bay. And to keep your mouth moist, chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugarless hard candy.

Avoid Certain Foods
Dairy, tuna and horseradish are the primary offenders when it comes to bad breath. And go easy on the garlic, as it absorbs into your bloodstream and makes its way to your lungs. Once it’s there, the odor escapes from your mouth when you breathe. Similarly, when you eat onions, the odor tends to linger for a while after you’ve finished eating. It’s a good idea to brush and rinse well after partaking in any of these foods.

If you feel like you’ve done all you can to treat your bad breath, but it still doesn’t seem to go away, you may have a more serious medical condition.

Contact the Montefiore Department of Dentistry.

For more information about any of the services we offer, please contact Drs. Kraut, Rogoff, Newsome and Kakanantadilok. Our office is located in the Bronx and can be reached at 888-700-6623. We look forward to meeting you!