A Teenager's Guide to Braces

Bad breath plagues most people, although some may not even realize they have this problem until someone else notices it. A lot of things can cause bad breath, some being from the food you eat, although some can be from poor oral health or other issues. Read on for tips to help improve your breath.

Stay Hydrated

Dry mouth can be one cause of your bad breath. Harmful bacteria can spread easily in a dry mouth, and it can lead to oral issues including bad breath.

Keep your mouth hydrated by drinking water, which can help clean the mouth and remove bacteria from the teeth, gums, and tongue. If you continue to have dry mouth, you may need to use a rinse such as Biotene to help refresh your mouth and relieve you of mouth dryness.

Skip Coffee

Coffee could be another cause of your bad breath. If you drink a lot of coffee, it can lead to mouth dryness. Drink less coffee, or skip it altogether from your daily routine. Coffee can also stain your teeth, so it's a win-win in oral health by lowering (or losing) your coffee intake.

Stop Smoking

Smoking and other tobacco use can also lead to bad breath. Smoking can stay in the lungs and throat, leaving a smell behind that can last for hours. There are also chemicals used in the tobacco that can lead to stinky breath and can also dry out the mouth, which will then cause bacteria to grow and spread. All of these things can lead to other oral issues, including gingivitis and tooth decay.

Brush And Floss

Brushing your teeth and taking care of your gums properly can help prevent bad breath. Brush your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush, and use a fluoride toothpaste.

Flossing will get rid of plaque buildup in between teeth and can improve the health of your gums. Make sure you brush your gums and your tongue as well to get rid of bacteria and plaque-causing odors.

Improve Your Diet

Your diet may be causing your bad breath. If you are eating a lot of onions or garlic, they may lead to those noxious odors.

Diets lacking enough vitamins and minerals may also be the cause of your bad breath. Take a good look at your diet to see what can be changed, or talk to your dentist or physician about your diet.

Visit The Dentist

If your bad breath doesn't improve, a visit to the dentist may be in order. You could have a medical issue that is causing your halitosis and may be in need of an exam to be sure there isn't a problem with your teeth that is causing your bad breath. An issue such as a rotten tooth could cause your bad breath and may need to be pulled.

Bad breath can be a big issue in your personal or professional life. Get to the bottom of your bad breath, and talk to a dentist, such as one found through http://northwestdental.com/, about other tips to get rid of your halitosis.