How to Avoid Bad Breath

Bad breath is embarrassing. It can ruin a job interview or a blossoming relationship. Understandably, many people want to avoid bad breath at all costs.

In some cases, the solution is rather straightforward. Simply steering clear of certain foods, like garlic and onions, can prevent a case of bad breath.

Other times, the cause of bad breath is not as easily addressed. An underlying condition in the mouth may be the main issue, and if so, dentists may be called upon to intervene.

When food is not the culprit, patients should work with the best dentists in Bedford to prevent bad breath, which is also known by the medical term halitosis.

A number of oral health concerns may result in halitosis. Periodontal disease is often at fault, as is dry mouth.

Patients who regularly visit their dentists for cleanings may have a better chance of keeping bad breath in check. Those cleanings clear away the bacteria that can cause odors in the mouth.

For patients whose periodontal disease is the main cause of halitosis, a deep cleaning or periodontal procedure may be needed to correct the problem.

In cases of dry mouth, your dentist can also recommend daily habits that will decrease your likelihood of developing bad breath. Chewing sugarless gum can help generate saliva to clear bacteria from the mouth, and drinking adequate amounts of water will keep the mouth hydrated.

Of course, regular brushing and flossing will help to eliminate bad breath, too. Brushing the tongue in addition to the teeth and gumline can help in particularly persistent cases, as can adding an antibacterial mouthwash to your daily oral hygiene regimen.

Smoking can contribute to bad breath, both directly and by increasing a patient’s risk for developing periodontal disease. Dentists may provide smoking cessation education as another method for reducing bad breath.

Other medical conditions, such as bronchitis or a sinus infection, are also known to cause bad breath, so your dentist may also suggest a medical examination if nothing in the mouth is at fault.

If bad breath has been keeping you from enjoying life to the fullest, visit one of our Bedford dentists for an evaluation to learn what treatments may be helpful in your case.