Ways to Combat Halitosis

Nobody wants to suffer from “dragon mouth,” but most people have bad breath from time to time. Bad breath, which is also known as halitosis, has many causes, ranging from poor oral hygiene to gum disease to eating odorous foods. Dr. John J. Andre and our team are more than happy to provide a few tips for combatting and preventing bad breath.

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Stay Hydrated
Dry mouth occurs when there is not enough saliva in the mouth. As saliva helps clean your mouth by washing away food particles, it is necessary in preventing dry mouth. Make sure that you drink lots of water throughout the day to help with saliva flow.

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Exercise Proper Dental Hygiene
Our dentist in Louisa, Virginia, suggests that you brush your teeth at least twice a day and that you floss at least once daily. Properly cleaning your mouth can remove food and bacteria that can cause odors.

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Clean Your Tongue
Bacteria that can cause bad breath can form on the tongue. Dead cells and food particles can also gather there. Use your toothbrush or a tongue cleaner to clean your tongue daily.

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Visit Our Dentist
Visiting John J. Andre, DDS & Associates often for regular cleanings and recommended treatments is a great way to fight bad breath because these visits allow our dentist to diagnose any dental issues that may be contributing to bad breath, like tooth decay and gum disease. If you discuss halitosis with us, our dentist can also determine if the cause is from something medical that you would need to see your regular doctor about.

Foods and Habits That Make Bad Breath Worse

Some foods leave odors behind long after the meal. Garlic and onions are famous for it, because their compounds are absorbed into your bloodstream and carried to your lungs. Coffee and alcohol can leave a lingering smell and tend to dry out your mouth. Tobacco in any form dulls your sense of taste, irritates your gums, and causes persistent odor. Sugary snacks and sodas feed the bacteria that produce smelly gases, so cutting back helps your breath as much as your teeth.

When Bad Breath Points to Something Else

If brushing, flossing, and tongue cleaning are not enough, the cause may be hiding deeper. Gum disease and untreated cavities trap bacteria that give off a strong odor. Sinus infections, post-nasal drip, and tonsil problems can also cause breath changes, and so can acid reflux and certain medications. A dental exam helps us rule out oral causes first, and if everything in your mouth looks healthy, we can suggest you talk with your physician.

Freshen Your Breath Between Visits

Chewing sugar-free gum after meals, especially gum sweetened with xylitol, increases saliva flow and helps rinse away food particles. If you wear dentures, a retainer, or clear aligners, clean them every day, since they can hold bacteria and odors. Choose an alcohol-free mouthwash, because alcohol can dry out your mouth and make odor worse in the long run. Mints and sprays only cover odor for a short time, so they are no substitute for treating the cause.

If bad breath keeps coming back, our dentists in Louisa and Glen Allen can help you find out why. Schedule a cleaning and exam to get started, and read why flossing is so important and our dental hygiene services for more ways to keep your mouth healthy.

For more information and to schedule your next visit, we welcome you to contact our office at (540) 402-9693 today.

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