Have you ever found yourself trying to tactfully offer someone a mint? It's not a very pleasant situation for either party involved!

As you most likely already know, there are many causes of bad breath.  Also known as halitosis, bad breath is most commonly a result of what you eat and drink. Of course smoking, coffee, and food with onions and garlic are the worst culprits. Dry mouth can also be a cause of bad breath. Most commonly encountered while you sleep, dry mouth can also be an issue during the day. 

The good news is that bad breath from food is usually temporary! However, without proper brushing and flossing, tiny food particles may get trapped between your teeth and even in the small grooves of your tongue. Those particles are likely to grow bacteria and cause unpleasant breath as well as more serious problems like periodontal disease and cavities if left untreated. Brushing after each meal can be impractical in everyday life but will help the fight against bad breath if you can find the time and place to do it. 

At minimum you should strive to brush twice a day and floss once a day. A tongue cleaning appliance is also a good defense against bad breath. To avoid dry mouth and keep your mouth's moisture in balance be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. These simple steps are usually enough to keep your breath nice and fresh. In addition to your home care routine, seeing your dentist at least twice a year for a check up and professional cleaning is a good schedule to stick with.

Never hesitate to give our office a call or email with any questions. 

(312) 642-3370

  dentalteam@dentalsalon.com