You’re wearing the perfect outfit; your hair is set, shoes are sparkling… but wait! Just when you’re feeling your complete best, someone calls you out for your bad breath. 2Bad breath or halitosis is the third most common reason that people seek dental care after tooth decay and gum disease.
Apart from affecting your health, this can have a crippling impact on your social life. You’re not alone. It’s estimated that 1 in 4 people worldwide have bad breath regularly, with almost 50 million people in the US suffering from it. Our dentists are experienced in treating halitosis and have listed some useful tips to get rid of bad breath.
1. Brush And Floss Correctly.
This is perhaps the most basic yet crucial step for maintaining overall oral hygiene. Brush using a floured containing toothpaste after every meal. Ensure this is done in circular motions, targeting every curve of your teeth.
The next step, which most people forget is to do is to floss. According to the ADA, flossing removes plaque from the areas a toothbrush can’t reach. This is proven to help remove debris that can eventually lead to cavities, which prompts bad breath.
2. Scrape Your Tongue.
Your tongue can be a breeding ground for bacteria, dead cells, and debris if not cleaned regularly. This build-up will automatically cause bad breath and can adversely affect your oral health. This is why using a tongue scraper is highly recommended.
Most tongue scrapers are attached to the back of your toothbrush; if not, these can be purchased separately as well. Scrapping your tongue gently will also help improve your sense of taste.
3. Use Clove Oil.
A handful of cloves or clove oil has antiseptic qualities that help fight halitosis-causing bacteria. According to research, the eugenol in clove oil has effective at fighting several known oral bacteria. Chewing on a bunch of cloves in the morning can help reduce bad breath and be used as a natural chewing mint.
4. Try a DIY Mouthwash.
According to research, baking soda, which is alkaline in nature, can effectively kill bacteria in the mouth. Thus, toothpaste or mouthwash containing high concentrations of baking soda can reduce bad breath.
You can try an alcohol-free mouthwash as well. Mix 1/2 cup of water with 1 teaspoon of baking soda and a drop of peppermint essential oil. Rinse thoroughly for 30 seconds then and then spit it out.
5. Visit a Dentist for a Regular Check Up.
If you suffer from bad breath, regular dental checkups are vital. If you’re in Woodland Hills, CA, a professional dentist on our team can examine the cause of the problem and remove unwanted debris accumulated on your teeth that may be causing bad breath.
At West Hills Smiles, we have some of the most experienced dentists on board that provide dental solutions using advanced technology at their high-end facility.
Our clinic also offers cosmetic dentistry treatments, including teeth whitening, dental implants, and porcelain veneers. Contact us today to book your appointment!