TIPS FOR FRESH BREATH

Everyone suffers occasionally from bad breath. Bad breath is most commonly caused by conditions in your mouth, such as the food you eat, and how often you clean your teeth, gums and tongue.

Read our tips on how to keep your breath fresh:

1. Floss and brush your teeth, gums and tongue daily. Clean as far back on your tongue as you can, as that’s where bacteria often collect. If you don’t clean your mouth, any remaining food particles will attract bacteria, which cause bad breath and contribute to tooth decay.
2. Brush and floss your teeth after eating, if you possibly can. If you can't do a thorough cleaning, drinking water or chewing sugar-free gum are good options.
3. Be aware that certain foods — such as garlic, onions and some spices — can contribute to bad breath for up to 72 hours after eating. After digestion, the proteins in these foods circulate in the bloodstream. They are carried into the lungs and are expelled in your breath until they exit your system.
4. Cigarettes, cigars and chewing tobacco can cause dry mouth and bad breath -- on top of being harmful to your overall health. Ask your dentist for help with smoking cessation.
5. Bad breath can also be an early symptom of periodontal or gum disease. Gum disease is an infection that affects the gums and jawbone, which can lead to a loss of gum and teeth. If left alone, the bacteria will build up on your teeth and irritate the gums. Flossing helps removes food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line. Be sure to also visit your dentist for periodic cleanings and exams.
6. Dry mouth leads to bad breath. Saliva inhibits the growth of bacteria that contribute to bad breath by cleansing the mouth and removing odor-causing food particles. Dry mouth is also caused by some medications, alcohol and breathing with your mouth open. Drink plenty of water or chew sugar-free gum or candy to keep your mouth moist.

Chronic bad breath is a very visible sign that something is not right. If bad breath persists, schedule an appointment with your dentist. Chronic halitosis can be an indicator of gum disease or dry mouth. If it is due to an oral condition, your dentist can develop a treatment plan to help eliminate it.

However, If your gums and teeth are healthy, your dentist may refer you to your family doctor or a specialist to determine the cause of bad breath. Bad breath may be a sign of a medical disorder, such as diabetes, respiratory tract infection, chronic sinusitis, postnasal drip, chronic bronchitis, gastrointestinal disturbances or liver or kidney ailments.