You can have the most charming personality, say all the right things, and wear the finest clothes, but none of it will matter in business or social settings if your breath is not as fresh as it should be.
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can significantly limit your success and confidence when speaking to others is key. It can also creep up on you when you least expect it, potentially spoiling an unexpected encounter with a close friend, business colleague, or romantic interest.
One secret to elevating your professional and social standing is keeping your breath fresh all day long. The good news is that you can accomplish this with simple lifestyle changes that will make all the difference between feeling confident and not wanting to speak due to concerns with your breath.
Here are five tips on how to keep breath fresh:
- Daily habits for fresh breath
Like many aspects of dental health, fresh breath starts with your daily oral hygiene routine. Here is how to keep breath fresh in a few easy steps:
Brush teeth twice per day
Brush your teeth regularly, usually twice daily for two minutes using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Be sure to get trapped food particles at the gumline.
Use a tongue scraper
After brushing, use a tongue scraper to help remove bacteria and food debris from the tongue’s surface. Pay close attention to the back of your tongue, where halitosis-causing bacteria can also collect.
Floss at least once per day
Flossing removes food particles and plaque stuck between your teeth where your toothbrush cannot reach. People often floss before bedtime, but you can floss anytime during the day to keep your mouth as clean and fresh as possible.
Swish and rinse with mouthwash
An antimicrobial mouthwash can help reduce plaque and gingivitis, which can cause bad breath. Select a mouthwash that kills germs; however, use only in moderation, as mouthwash can also dry the mouth out, which can trigger bad breath.
- Stay hydrated to keep the mouth clean
A clean mouth is a fresh mouth, so drink plenty of water during the day to rinse away food particles and bacteria. Water will also help your mouth produce saliva, which is the body’s natural way of keeping your mouth clean and odour-free.
If out walking, working out, or spending time in a dry environment, keep a bottle of water handy to ensure you are hydrated. Also, opt for water with your meal to prevent the buildup of foreign matter in the mouth.
- Eat foods that offer easy bad breath solutions
One of the best ways to keep breath fresh is to consume foods that support good oral health by keeping the mouth clean and hydrated.
For example, apples, carrots, and cucumbers can help clean teeth and promote saliva flow, reducing bad breath. They also have high water content, further helping you stay hydrated. Snacks such as nuts can also help clean teeth, while cheese contains properties that can neutralize acids that lead to halitosis.
Fresh herbs like parsley, mint, and basil have natural antibacterial properties and can refresh your mouth. Chewing on a sprig can also be a quick fix for bad breath.
Certain foods, such as garlic, onions, and spices, should be avoided before business meetings or social situations. These items can linger on your breath long after you have eaten them, causing bad breath, especially if you cannot brush right away after eating them.
After eating or snacking, rinse your mouth with water to wash away food particles. Then, follow up with sugar-free chewing gum to continue stimulating saliva production. Look for gum that contains xylitol, a natural sweetener that may help reduce bacteria in the mouth.
- Lifestyle changes for better breath
Smoking is an unhealthy habit that, among other adverse health effects, dries the mouth and contributes to gum disease, both of which can exacerbate halitosis. If you smoke, try to quit as soon as possible, or ask your doctor or dentist for proven solutions that will help you quit.
Drinking alcohol and beverages that contain caffeine can also cause dry mouth. Try to reduce your intake of these beverages or balance them out with plenty of water to maintain hydration and help manage bad breath.
Certain health conditions, such as acid reflux, sinus infections, and diabetes, can lead to persistent bad breath. Speak to your primary health care professional about managing these conditions so they have a minimal impact on your oral health.
- Visit your dentist for extra help on maintaining fresh breath
Following the above fresh breath tips will help you maintain clean, fresh breath all day long and enjoy the benefits that come with it. However, if you are following the tips and still experiencing chronic bad breath, it is a good idea to make an appointment with your dentist to discuss the issue.
Your dentist can conduct a thorough examination of your teeth and gums to check for any underlying dental concerns that could be causing problems with your breath.
For example, plaque and bacteria buildup on the teeth and gums can lead to gum inflammation and infection, also known as gum disease. This condition can release odour-causing compounds that contribute to bad breath. Additionally, cavity-causing bacteria can make breath problems worse.
Halitosis can also be triggered by mouth infections, such as oral thrush (candidiasis) or infections related to dental implants or extractions. Tonsil stones, which are hardened deposits of bacteria and food debris on the tonsils, can also negatively impact breath.
If you need help maintaining fresh breath or are experiencing any other dental health concerns, make an appointment with our team at Yonge Eglinton Dental. We will work with you on solutions and, if necessary, a treatment plan that will give you the freshest breath possible, boosting your confidence and success in personal, professional, and social situations!
Learn more fresh breath tips from the experts at Yonge Eglinton Dental in Toronto
Talk to our dental health team when you are ready to optimize your oral health. We will work together to ensure your teeth and gums look great and are as strong and healthy as possible. Make an appointment for an office visit today by calling our office at 416-932-2222 or booking online.
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