Tips for Fresher Breath

Everyone has bad breath at some point, but chronic halitosis can leave a lasting impression. Not only is it embarrassing, but it may start to affect your personal or professional life. If your breath smells less-than-fresh, there are a variety of things you can do to correct the problem. Here, the team at Northfield Dental Group shares our best tips for fresher breath.

Start with the Basics

Oral hygiene habits are essential to fresh breath. It’s a good idea to review your routine every so often and make sure you are adhering to the following basic dental hygiene habits:

• Brush twice a day for two minutes at a time
• Floss once a day
• Use a toothpaste with fluoride in it
• Use a water flosser (e.g., Waterpik) to help wash away food particles and bacteria
• Visit the dentist at least once a year for a professional check-up

Modify Your Diet

Garlic and onions are delicious, but they linger on your breath long after a meal. Try to eat smaller amounts while increasing your intake of crunchy fruits and vegetables. Apples, celery and carrots are like natural toothbrushes — great for removing food particles from the mouth and rubbing away bacteria.

Chew on Fresh Herbs

Mint leaves and parsley are easy for freshening breath on the go. Throw a sprig in a plastic bag and keep it in your purse or backpack. Mint naturally smells amazing and parsley has chlorophyll, which neutralizes the sulphur compounds that make breath smell like rotten eggs.

Hydrate with Water

Dentists recommend drinking at least 48 ounces of water a day. Water lubricates the mouth and washes bacteria away. Other popular drinks, like soda and sports drinks, can wear away at tooth enamel, so they should be avoided.

Tackle GI Issues

Sometimes tummy troubles like an ulcer or acid reflux can cause you to burp and emit foul smells. If you experience gastrointestinal symptoms, see your physician for evaluation. If you notice that dairy aggravates your stomach, try lactose tablets. Or, start taking probiotics, which are great for your gut health.

Schedule a Dental Examination

If you are constantly plagued by bad breath, it is a good idea to schedule a dental appointment so your dentist can check for any emerging dental problems. An infected tooth or gum disease can make breath smell sour or rotten and, if not treated, lead to serious health consequences. To schedule an examination with our dentists, please contact Northfield Dental Group today at (973) 736-0111.