FAQ » How to Keep Your Breath Fresh

How to Keep Your Breath Fresh

It's normal to be concerned about your breath, but it's not normal to have consistently bad breath. Here are some things you can do to keep bad breath to a minimum:

• Eliminate the bacteria and food particles that can cause bad breath; floss, then brush your teeth, gums and tongue after each meal. Make this easier by keeping floss, toothpaste and a toothbrush in your desk, your purse and your car.

• If you can't brush and floss, rinse your mouth with water after eating to dislodge food and moisten your mouth.

• See us at least twice a year for a professional cleaning and exam. • Drink lots of liquids, preferably water, to keep your mouth moist.

• If your mouth feels dry, chew sugarless gum to stimulate production of saliva. • You can also chew on raw parsley; it's a natural breath freshener.

• Avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol; read the label! Instead, try a mouthwash that contains chlorine dioxide. This compound doesn't just mask odor, it actually eliminates it at the source by attacking the odor-causing volatile sulfur compounds (VSC's).

• Snack on raw vegetables such as carrots, celery and red peppers to stimulate saliva production.

• To avoid stress-related dry mouth, practice "conscious relaxation" in stressful situations.

• Use an oral irrigation device such as a Water Pik to remove particles of food wedged between your teeth; portable models are available.

• If your wear dentures or a retainer, clean them frequently, and periodically soak them in an antiseptic solution.

Be sure to call us if you have bad breath that's resistant to these remedies!