Tips for conquering bad breath

From time to time, most people experience temporary bad breath. It may be from a food they ate or due to being dehydrated and dealing with dry mouth. However, chronic bad breath, or halitosis, may be a sign of poor oral hygiene. Dr. Steven E. Holbrook of Albuquerque, NM is a general dentist who can educate patients on ways to reduce their risk of bad breath and avoid embarrassing situations. Additionally, he encourages patients who struggle with halitosis to be open and honest about their concerns so he can help them find the cause and seek a solution that works. This is especially true in situations where patients experience daily bad breath and are unsure of the cause. 

Tips for conquering bad breath 

Nobody likes bad breath, so read on to find out how to address it! 

• Brush often. Brushing the teeth removes food particles and sugars that can contribute to bad breath. Be sure to also brush the tongue, which is known to harbor bacteria as well that can cause halitosis.
• Floss. At least once a day, floss your teeth to ensure there is no food buildup that potentially may cause bad breath.
• Utilize a mouthwash. Using a mouthwash after brushing and flossing is an extra step towards better smelling breath!
• Stay hydrated. Not only is staying hydrated important for your overall health and wellness, drinking water throughout the day can help wash away leftover food from the surfaces of the teeth and keep bad breath at bay.
• Chewing sugar-free gum. A fast way to freshen breath is with sugar-free gum, which can also stimulate saliva flow that can cause dry mouth—another reason some patient may experience chronic bad breath.
• Talk to your dentist. Chronic bad breath may be caused by another problem that requires medical attention, so be honest with your dentist about your struggles to find the cause and a reliable and effective solution.

Call Dr. Steven E. Holbrook today 

At Comprehensive Dental Care in Albuquerque, NM, Dr. Steven E. Holbrook and his team provide a wide range of services, including preventive dentistry. If you struggle with halitosis and want to start taking control of your bad breath, schedule an evaluation with our team to find out more. We are located at 8228 Louisiana Boulevard NE, Suite C and can be reached to schedule an appointment at (505) 881-1159.