At Mountain West Dental Specialists, we are here for all your family dental and orthodontic needs, including helping you rid yourself and your family of bad breath! There are many causes of stinky breath, and it doesn’t always come down to poor oral hygiene.
There are many ways to improve the taste and smell of your breath! Here are just some of the ways to decrease the less-than-favorable odor in your mouth!
Brush and Floss Every Day!
Ever since you were little, you probably had a dentist who told you to brush and floss every day to keep your teeth and gums healthy and strong. And they’re right! Brushing and flossing twice a day keeps the cavities at bay! If you don’t brush and floss consistently, your mouth can host harmful bacteria and plaque that create an unpleasant smell. These germs can quickly develop cavities, infections, or gum disease, making your breath stink. If this overgrowth of destructive bacteria goes so long without being cleaned, you might even suffer from tooth loss!
Brushing and flossing take only a few minutes. We even recommend investing in a water flosser, which can help get food out of your teeth that you miss when flossing and brushing. For example, have you had a piece of popcorn in your mouth that you can’t get out? A water flosser would remove it almost instantly! Remember, a water flosser is used in addition to flossing and is not a replacement.
If you want help developing or improving your routine, don’t hesitate to ask our team members for advice during your appointment!
Tongue Scraper
A tongue scraper is how it sounds – it is a device that scrapes your tongue to remove any bacteria or food on your tongue that might cause bad breath. The scrapers can be made of metal or plastic and come in different sizes. They’re relatively easy to use; just stick your tongue out, start from the back of the tongue, and slowly work your way forward with the scraper. Repeat until you do your whole tongue. Wipe the tool off in between scrapes.
Before using a tongue scraper, talk to Dr. Keaton Tomlin or Dr. Allison Tomlin to find out if a tongue scraper is right for you.
A Balanced Diet
Believe it or not, even if you brush and floss regularly, your diet has a big effect on your breath. Foods that are high in acid and low-carb diets are just two examples of how what you eat can affect how your breath smells. A balanced diet gives you the nutrients and vitamins you need to keep your digestive system and body working smoothly. This can cause acid reflux, a contributor to bad breath.
Raw fruits and vegetables, herbs, yogurt, and sugarless gum are a few examples of foods you can eat to reduce your bad breath!
Regular Dental Cleanings
We know coming to the dentist can be scary. We know it can be hard to remember to come if you’ve made your appointment months in advance. At Mountain West Dental Specialists, we want all our patients to be happy and healthy. We strive for everyone of every age to be comfortable in our offices to encourage regular dental cleanings and healthy habits.
At your dental cleaning, an experienced team member will remove bacteria, plaque, and tartar build-up on your teeth. Then Dr. Keaton or Dr. Allison will look for any issues that need to be addressed, such as cavities, broken fillings, and gum disease, among other essential things. If they find something, they will discuss a treatment plan with you. If they don’t, then you have a healthy and happy mouth!
Even if you are convinced that your mouth is perfectly fine, you should still attend your regular dental cleanings every six months (or as often as instructed by your dentist) to ensure it stays that way!
Water!
Food and drinks can leave behind residue that makes your breath smelly, especially if it stays there for a while. Rinsing your mouth with water after meals helps clean the mouth of smelly particles and dislodge any stuck food between the teeth. Food left in the mouth is an all-you-can-eat buffet for the bacteria in your mouth!
A hydrated body also has better breath! Drinking plenty of water can curb bad breath from forming in your mouth. Every sip of water cleans the mouth just a little bit more.
Use an Oxygenated or Alcohol-Free Mouthwash
Mouthwashes have been known for providing users with fresh, minty breath! But similar to how not the same skin cleanser works for everybody, the right mouthwash varies depending on each person’s needs and goals.
If your mouthwash is high in alcohol, it can cause bad breath over time by drying out the mouth. Avoid this by staying hydrated and using a mouthwash with low alcohol content.
A clean mouth is a fresh-smelling mouth! Oxygenated mouthwashes are typically for people with chronic issues such as gingivitis or gum disease, but anyone can use them. They help break down plaque and bacteria build up in the mouth.
If you need clarification on what mouthwash is the best for you, ask Dr. Keaton or Dr. Allison! Our orthodontists would be happy to make a recommendation that would help you meet your oral hygiene goals.
Come get a more extensive list at Mountain West Dental!
Not sure you see the cause of your bad breath on this list? Our skilled team would be
happy to help you! As a family-run business, we strive to create a welcoming environment where every patient feels like a family member.
Call or visit us today to schedule an appointment with our knowledgeable and expertly trained team. We can’t wait to see you!
