As beautiful as your smile may be, your confidence can still be affected if your breath isn’t as fresh as your smile looks. Bad breath isn’t typically a concern after brushing your teeth in the morning, but if chronic bad breath (halitosis) follows you throughout the day, you may have more than just a bad case of morning breath. For instance, if an illness is behind the condition, than treating the sickness may be your only option for eliminating halitosis. Typically, however, bad breath is caused by a mass of oral bacteria that release gaseous sulfur compounds, and controlling these germs is the key to keep your breath fresh for longer.
Tips for Longer-Lasting Fresh Breath
- Brush and floss at least twice a day—The germs in your mouth, including those responsible for bad breath, form dental plaque and stick to your teeth, gums, and tongue when enough of them congregate. Diligently brushing and flossing your teeth, as well as scraping your tongue clean, at least twice a day can control plaque from forming, reducing your chances of strong bad breath.
- Eat breakfast—When you sleep, your saliva production is drastically reduced. As your mouth’s natural rinse, saliva is important to controlling the constant gathering of oral bacteria. As your mouth dries overnight, these germs can gather in force, making their presence known when you wake in the morning. Eating a well-balanced breakfast before brushing and flossing your teeth can stimulate your saliva flow and help clear your mouth of the microbes that collect overnight.
- Stay hydrated—Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help you maintain a strong and steady saliva flow by keeping your mouth moisturized. Rinsing your mouth with water after a meal is also a good idea, especially if you can’t brush your teeth at that moment. Be sure to keep a bottle of water handy whenever you can to maintain your smile’s freshness.
About Your Rochester Family Dentists:
Calcagno Family and Cosmetic Dentistry offer expert services including teeth whitening, Six Month Smiles, Clear Aligner Systems, root canals, and pediatric dentistry. To schedule a consultation, please call (507) 218-8936. Dr. Calcagno and Dr. Heimer welcome and serve patients from Rochester, Red Wing, St. Charles, Winona, Farmington, Austin, and the surrounding communities.
