Tips to Prevent Bad Breath

The word “halitosis” itself is derived from the Latin “halitus,” meaning breath, and the suffix “osis” denotes a medical condition.

Your source of social discomfort is not strong enough to withstand the onslaught of good oral hygiene. However, brushing is not the only solution to get rid of it. To learn how to get rid of halitosis, you need to understand its causes first:

Causes of Bad Breath

●      Certain Foods: Items like onions and garlic absorb into your bloodstream and cause your breath to stink.

●      Poor Oral Health: Not brushing and flossing regularly creates a breeding ground for bacteria that leave an unpleasant taste and odor in your mouth.

●      Uncleaned Dentures: Dentures that are not cleaned daily collect fungi, bacteria, and food particles that cause bad breath.

●      Periodontal Disease: Rotting gums.

●    Odor-Causing Bacteria: When bacteria on the tongue interact with amino acids, they produce a sulfur compound with a nasty smell.

●      Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Decrease in the production of saliva.

●      Tobacco Products

●      Oral Cancer

●      A Health Condition: Respiratory infection, diabetes, a kidney or liver disorder, and a gastrointestinal disorder.

Tips to Avoid Bad Breath

●      Watch Your Diet: Limit the consumption of strongly flavored foods, and consider incorporating crunchy fruits and vegetables that stimulate saliva production.

●      Quit Smoking: If you smoke or use tobacco products, quitting can significantly improve not only your breath but also your overall oral health.

●      Use a Peppermint Mouth Rinse: A mouthwash will kill any bacteria on your tongue and in hard-to-reach places that cause bad breath.

●      Floss Daily: Leftover food particles lead to bacteria growth and bad breath. So, floss in the morning, after every meal, and before bed.

●     Clean Your Dentures: Dentures, too, cause bad breath when they develop plaque. Talk to your Westlake dentist about proper cleaning techniques and how to store them.   

Before following these tips, inspect your mouth in the mirror for tonsil stones. These are pale yellow bumps that cause halitosis. You might get rid of your bad breath just by removing them.

For cosmetic dentistry in Westlake, visit Duhon Family Dentistry. Their gifted dentist, Dr. Karlnelius Duhon, and his dental clinic in Westlake provide a premium service for the whole family. To schedule an appointment, call (337) 221-0072.