We’re all humans and we all have bad breath at least once during the day. You can work to prevent bad breath with simple oral habits like brushing your teeth, flossing throughout the day, and drinking plenty of water. But, if you have killer bad breath that only an San Luis Obispo dentist can cure, then you may need to read these top 5 tips.
But before we jump into the list. Here’s a trick you can try next time you think you have bad breath. Take a sterile piece of gauze and wipe it across your tongue. If the gauze appears yellow or smells, then that’s a sign that your sulfide levels are high and your breath may not be at its best. If you’re ever concerned that your mouth (and your breath) are not as healthy as they should be, reach out to the San Luis Obispo Dentist everyone goes to, Dr. Perry Patel.
So, here’s what you can do to curb the bad smell…
- Brush and floss everyday. Particularly after every meal, but this will require you to plan in advance. You’ll need to make sure you have a travel toothbrush and toothpaste and access to a sink or at least a bottle of water.
- Don’t forget your tongue. Bacteria absolutely love the top of your tongue, especially towards the back of your mouth. A lot of small food particles remain on your tongue after you eat. That’s also why a brushing after each meal is a good habit to have. Even gargling water after a meal can help get those leftover food pieces off of your tongue.
- Go for the crisp and fresh foods. Watch what you eat and your breath will improve. Foods like apples, pears, cucumbers, lettuce, and carrots are natural tooth cleaners and are stocked full of antioxidants too.
- Herbs…the legal ones. Raw parsley, cardamom, and peppermint are three herbs you can chew for a natural bad breath repellant. Even adding these herbs in cooked meals can help to cut down on the after meal odor you may have. Or, add a black, green, or peppermint tea to accompany your meal and these natural herbs can help wash away bacteria and those pesky leftover food pieces.
- Chew, chew, chew. Gum is a great way to kick bad breath because it keeps saliva moving in your mouth. Saliva naturally washes bacteria away. But make sure the gum you’re chewing is sugar-free. Too much sugar in your mouth and in your diet can wreck havoc on your breathe and your overall dental health.
Getting dental check-ups every 6 months is important for your health too. Chronic bad breath may be an indicator that a more serious problem is lurking. So, don’t delay. Call the San Luis Obispo dentist, Dr. Perry Patel, D.D.S. at (805) 489-4761 to schedule your routine check-up.
