Tips For Fresh Breath

If you have bad breath, you are not alone! Many of our patients deal with this, so we asked our hygienists to provide some tips to help you keep your breath feeling fresh!

• Be sure to brush thoroughly for two minutes, twice per day. Be sure you brushing thoroughly around your back teeth (molars) where plaque and bacteria that can cause bad breath can more easily hide.
• Floss thoroughly once daily to get that pesky plaque and bacteria that hides between your teeth!
• Rinse with Listerine or Crest Pro-Health mouthwash. Both are proven to kill bacteria in the mouth.
• Brush your tongue or use a tongue scraper when you brush.
• Visit your dentist every 6 months, or as often as recommended to keep plaque at a minimum.
• Use an electric toothbrush. The Sonicare FlexCare Platinum is our most popular electric toothbrush!
• Try sugar-free gum or breath mints.
• Rinse your mouth with water after meals or snacks. This will keep food from hanging around and developing bacteria.
• Use a WaterPik to remove food debris in between your teeth if flossing isn't doing the trick.
• Eat a healthy diet, and watch what foods you eat. Foods like garlic and onions contribute to bad breath.
• Try using Breath Rx products (toothpaste, mouth rinse/spray, mouthwash).
• Drink plenty of water to keep you hydrated. Dry mouth is one of the things that can contribute to bad breath.
• Stop smoking or using chewing tobacco.
• Consult your physician. Sometimes bad breath can be due to acid reflux or a sinus infection.