Mask Bad Breath

Now that we are all wearing masks for a large part of our day, it is easy to be hyper aware of how our breath smells thanks to, well, smelling it all day. Noticing bad breath more often? Here are Spokane Dental’s top four tips to have fresh breath that lasts all day:

1. Stay On Top of Home Care

Feeling a little lax with your homecare routine now that no one gets to see your pearly whites? Brushing and flossing does more than just keep your teeth sparkly white and breath fresh, it more importantly prevents oral disease.

Periodontal disease (or gum disease) can actually cause inflammation in other parts of the body as well, and has been linked with Alzheimer’s, adverse pregnancy outcomes, heart disease, and more. Keeping your gums and teeth healthy has a directly positive affect on your whole body.

Good homecare also has a directly positive affect on your breath. Gum disease is caused by the same bad bacteria that can cause halitosis. Lowering the bacterial load in the mouth through proper homecare can knock out two birds with one stone: get rid of bad breath and protect your mouth and body from periodontal disease as well!

We recommend brushing twice a day: once in the morning and once at night, as well as flossing once a day. Mechanically removing the bacteria stuck to the teeth through brushing and flossing is key.

2. Use a Tongue Scraper

Another oral spot with a high bacteria count? The tongue. Invest in a tongue scraper, and periodically clean the tongue. This can make a huge difference in fighting halitosis, and just like the teeth; it is essential to mechanically remove the bacteria from the tongue.

A mouth rinse is great to have in your arsenal, but often times can mask the problem instead of solve it, because the bacterial colonies stay on the teeth and tongue until mechanically removed. Using a tongue scraper removes bacteria, as well as prevents new bacterial growth.

3. Drink More Water

Adding more water to your diet can make a huge difference in the battle against bad breath. Water cleanses the mouth, and also helps with dry mouth (or xerostomia). Dry mouth can be a huge culprit for bad breath, and always having water close by can help. Healthy salivary flow is essential to constantly cleanse the teeth, and without it bacteria can run the show.

If you are struggling with dry mouth, we can help! Dry mouth is one of the biggest risk factors for cavities, and also a large contributing factor to bad breath. Drinking water throughout the day can be so helpful, but you may need more help in treating dry mouth, which your Spokane Dental team can assist with!

4. Chew Gum

Chewing gum increases salivary flow, which cleanses the mouth. Sugar free options also will help clean the teeth a bit without adding to the problem: the bad-breath causing bacteria feed off of sugar. Bonus points for choosing a gum with xylitol as well: a natural sweetener that also fights cavities!

If your bad breath just won’t go away, schedule an appointment with us! Dr. Smith and the Spokane Dental team can pin point the source of bad breath, and make a treatment plan to solve the problem. We offer preventive treatment, such as dental exams, x-rays, dental cleanings, and fluoride treatments. Dr. Smith is also an amazing restorative dentist, and can place fillings, crowns, dental implants, and so much more. Call today to schedule with one of our friendly office staff: (509)822-5614.