Bad breath is something all of us have experienced. Another term for bad breath is halitosis. In fact, around 25% of our global population suffers from halitosis. We often feel self-conscious, embarrassed, and worried that others might notice or comment on our bad breath.
Our Signature 28 denture patients often ask us how they can effectively deal with bad breath. We recognize how anxious and frustrated they feel about bad breath. Yet, there are simple things you can do to make sure you don’t have bad breath.
Bad breath check
You can quickly determine whether you have bad breath without having to ask a friend to lend his/ her nose. Give a quick list to your wrist, let it dry, then smell it. If your wrist smells bad, chances are you do have bad breath. This simple test can be discreetly performed throughout the day and is quite reliable. Make sure your wrist is not covered with perfume or scented lotions; these might mask the true smell of your breath.
Try this: smell your dental floss right after you’ve inserted it between your teeth. If your dental floss has a foul smell, this could indicate the presence of bacteria between your teeth and gums.
4 Effective tips to prevent bad breath
Use mouthwash
We often underestimate the power of a good mouthwash rinse. Mouthwash not only leaves you a fresh minty taste, it also kills bacteria that cause bad breath. Use your mouthwash at least twice daily.
Tongue scraping
Scraping your tongue is one of the most effective ways to get rid of bad breath. We admit that it can be uncomfortable and can make some people gag, but with time, most people get used to the feeling. To reach the back of your tongue, it may be necessary to purchase a tongue scraper. Scrapers can easily be found at your local grocery store, pharmacies, or even at your local dollar store!
If you are wearing dentures, remove your denture before you scrape your tongue.
Chew sugarless gum
Forget the mints and tic-tacs. They only cover up the bad breath for a very short period of time. A better long-lasting solution lies in surgarless gum. Chewing sugarless gum stimulates the production of saliva, which in turn naturally plaque acids.
For those of you who have dentures or dental implants, opt for sugarless gum that is specifically designed to not stick to your dental work. Freedent makes a great sugarless gum and denture-wearers have given it good reviews.
Moisten your mouth
A dry mouth lacks in the natural production of saliva. Chewing sugarless gum helps, but you can also add a humidifier in key areas of your home or office where you spend a lot of sleeping or working. Small portable humidifiers can also be placed on your work desk.
Most importantly, drink plenty of water! Commit to drinking 2 liters of water daily. A moist mouth will help reducing bad breath.
Still can’t get rid of bad breath?
If you’ve tried everything but cannot get rid of bad breath, it might be time to visit a dental professional. Bad breath could be caused by an underlying medical or dental condition that requires special attention from your dentist.
For more information about products and services, come over for a visit! We are located in the beautiful community of Killarney at #75, 1935 37th St SW. Kelly, our administration coordinator, is also one phone call away at 403.228.5311.
“There is always a good reason to smile. Find it within yourself…”
