If you ever worry about your breath, you aren’t alone. Many people struggle with this problem. Having fresh breath is an integral part of day-to-day life. However, if it smells bad, it can impact important the first impression you leave on others. In today’s blog post, we’re sharing ways you can keep your breath fresh.

  1. Practice Good Oral Hygiene

One easy way to improve your breath is good oral hygiene. Make sure you brush twice daily for two minutes and floss once daily. Don’t forget your tongue, too! By doing these habits regularly, you get rid of plaque, bacteria, and food particles in your mouth that can lead to breath issues. Also, if you wear dentures, clean them thoroughly every day.

  1. Stay Hydrated

Not only is drinking plenty of water essential for your health, but it can also help your breath, too. When you stay hydrated, you produce enough saliva to rinse away food particles and bacteria from your mouth. If you struggle with dry mouth, visit us for an appointment. We can recommend products you can use at home.

  1. Choose Breath-Friendly Foods

When you plan for snacks and meals during the day, choose foods that help not harm your breath. For example, celery, carrots, and apples can help clean your teeth and freshen your breath. On the other hand, foods like garlic and onions can cause bad breath. If you can’t resist these foods, brush your teeth or chew sugar-free gum afterward to reduce their impact.

  1. Chew Sugar-Free Gum Between Meals

Chewing sugar-free gum stimulates saliva production, which can help neutralize bad breath. Look for gum that contains xylitol, a sugar substitute that can help prevent cavities. Avoid gum made with sugar, because this can increase your risk for cavities. 

  1. Don’t Smoke or Use Tobacco Products

Smoking and using tobacco products can cause bad breath. Plus, this habit stains your teeth and increases your risk of serious oral health issues, such as gum disease and oral cancer. If you use tobacco, quitting is one of the best decisions you can make for your health.

  1. Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Visiting us for dental checkups and cleanings every six months is part of what keeps your smile healthy. We can also help with any breath problems, too! For example, we can detect and treat any underlying dental issues causing bad breath, such as gum disease or tooth decay. We can also give personalized recommendations for keeping your breath fresh based on your needs.

  1. Use Mouthwash Regularly

Mouthwash can kill the bacteria that leads to bad breath and boost your breath. Choose a mouthwash that contains fluoride, which strengthens your cavities. Also, avoid mouthwash that contains alcohol, as this can dry out your mouth, making bad breath worse.

Bad breath may be embarrassing, but it’s a common issue. Follow these tips to keep your breath fresh and clean. Make an appointment if you’re still struggling with chronic bad breath. We can identify any underlying oral health concerns that need treatment.

Make an appointment by calling Cedar Dental Group today at 253-563-0315 or schedule online for an appointment in Kent, WA.