How to Keep Bad Breath at Bay

It’s one of those minor things in life that can be devastatingly harmful in the most important moments in life. Bad breath can literally cause business meetings, love affairs, and first time encounters to go all wrong. When a person is turned off by your breath, he or she will do all that is possible to avoid conversation. After all, when you speak, your breath follows your words.

So, what are you to do if you suspect that you are transmitting a foul odor?

First and foremost, you need to be sure that you are following a proper oral hygiene regime. This should involve brushing and flossing at least twice per day. Many people overlook flossing, but this removes food particles and bacteria that reside between the teeth and can lead to a bad odor of the mouth.

In addition to this, seeing the dentist regularly to check for infections (which can produce funny scents) and to receive thorough cleanings is crucial. If these practices don’t seem to be helping in the battle against the stink, then you might need to consider an oral irrigation system. These products, which can be purchased over the counter shoot water between teeth to remove any stubborn bacteria and plaque. In the process though, they also create ionized water molecules that naturally repel bacteria and plaque that would otherwise adhere to the surface of the teeth.

Because moisture is absolutely essential in keeping your mouth smelling fresh, it is important to drink water regularly throughout the day. Also, for people with notoriously odorous mouths, avoiding alcoholic beverages and mouthwashes is important. These products tend to create dryness.

Smoking and caffeine consumption can also cause this phenomenon. Furthermore, tobacco products produce and unpleasant odor anyway, which can be difficult to combat even with very proactive oral hygiene. Coffees and nicotine also stain the teeth adding another problem to the table. If you wish to make good first impressions, addressing the look and scent of your mouth is integral.

For some, however, the smell goes deeper.

When smoking, caffeine, alcohol, dehydration, and poor mouth care are ruled out, it might be time to look to the sinuses. People who have trouble with allergies or consistent colds and sinus infections are more likely to have trouble with bad breath.

Why?

Well, post nasal drip, which is the draining of the nose down the back of the throat, can leave a film on the back of the mouth and throat, which is a haven for bacteria growth. Bacteria causes foul odor. Sinus irrigators, which can be purchased at most drug stores will help keep this drainage flowing properly and can tackle the lasting film.

If none of this seems to help and you continue to suffer from the embarrassment of bad breath, then it is likely time to consult the professionals. See a dentist to receive more information on possible causes and solutions. Sometimes bad breath is a sign of a bigger problem, so don’t wait.