Don’t spend your day worrying about bad breath.

Bad breath, also called halitosis, can be a common concern for many people. While breath mints or chewing gum can be a quick temporary fix to deal with bad breath, the team at Valley Dental Clinic in Wasilla, has three ways to deal with the root cause of halitosis.

What causes bad breath?

The best way to deal with halitosis, which is Latin for ‘bad breath’ is to understand the root cause. About 30% of the public deals with halitosis on a daily basis.

While it’s true that foods with strong flavors, such as garlic or onions, can cause temporary bad breath, persistent bad breath is often caused by bacteria that are present in the mouth and on the tongue. Poor oral hygiene can also lead to halitosis. Those who suffer from gum diseases, like periodontitis and gingivitis, often have bad breath. 

Halitosis is also often a problem for those who suffer from dry mouth, which is when the salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva to keep your mouth moist.

If you are having problems with chronic bad breath, here are three things you can do to help avoid the breath mints and find a solution once and for all for your halitosis.

1. Practice a good oral hygiene routine.

If you aren’t brushing and flossing your teeth properly, that could be the leading cause of your bad breath. Brushing and flossing help clear away food particles and bacteria, which is what causes halitosis.

To make sure you are brushing your teeth properly, use a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps to strengthen the enamel on your teeth. 

Brushing with baking soda can also make a difference in your bad breath fight. Baking soda can reduce the acidity levels in your mouth and can help cut down on bacterial growth. It’s important to note that baking soda does not contain fluoride. 

Make sure you are also using a toothbrush that is the appropriate size for your mouth. The head of your toothbrush should be able to maneuver easily within your mouth so you can reach the backs and sides of your teeth while brushing.

When it comes to flossing, make sure you are flossing in between all of your teeth and getting the dental floss under the gumline, where bacteria often likes to hide. When you get to the gumline, curve your dental floss into a C-shape, and then rub gently along the gumline to sweep away any food particles or hidden bacteria. Also, make sure you are using a fresh section of dental floss for each side of the tooth.

2. Snack on the right foods.

We all get hungry in between meals, but small, simple changes to the snacks you are eating can help with bad breath. To help produce extra saliva, choose crunchy fruits and leafy vegetables to snack on. The more you have to chew, the more saliva your mouth will produce.

The best veggies and fruits to snack on are celery sticks, carrot sticks, and apple slices. These snacks can act as nature’s toothbrushes because their crunchy and fibrous texture can help sweep away bacteria as you chew. So if you’re looking for a healthy snack, pick one of these to help fight bad breath.

3. Schedule regular dental checkups.

The role of routine dental care is so important for many reasons. But if you are suffering from consistent halitosis, a regular dental checkup with the team at Valley Dental Clinic could be beneficial. 

A professional dental cleaning is one way to ensure your teeth are in top condition and sparkling. A professional dental cleaning is able to clean your teeth better than you can brush them at home, so it’s important to visit our Wasilla office at least twice a year for your dental checkup.

Routine dental care is important because dentists can find any dental issues that are just starting and can nip them in the bud. Because many different things can lead to halitosis, your dental provider will be able to assist you in finding the cause of your bad breath.

Make an appointment to visit Valley Dental Clinic, today.

If you find you are dealing with persistent halitosis, and it isn’t clearing up with proper brushing and flossing, make an appointment for a checkup at Valley Dental Clinic. Our team can give you a thorough dental evaluation and a professional dental cleaning. Our dentists can also give you personalized advice and a plan for your dental care to help eliminate your bad breath.