Got Bad Breath? Tips To Help You Freshen Your Breath

Having bad breath can be embarrassing and make you self-conscious. You may feel uncomfortable talking to close to someone or kissing your partner. If you suffer from halitosis or chronic bad breath, you may be looking for a way to help freshen your breath. Here are a few of the different ways that you can easily work to freshen your breath and reduce some of the embarrassment you feel. 

Drink Enough Water

One of the easiest ways to freshen your breath is to drink plenty of water. When your mouth is dry, bad breath smells stronger and more offensive. Drinking water helps to keep your mouth moist, which increases the saliva in your mouth. Saliva helps to fight bacteria so this is important. Additionally, swishing water around in your mouth as you drink it helps to remove bacteria that may be stuck in your gums, teeth or on your tongue. 

Use an Alcohol-Free Mouthwash

Many people use alcohol-based mouthwashes to fight bad breath. But alcohol dries the mouth out, which can actually compound the problem. Instead, opt for an alcohol-free version. If you can't find one you like, you can always make your own at home. Combine a cup of water with a teaspoon of baking soda. If desired, you can add a peppermint essential oil for flavor. Swish the mixture in your mouth for 30 to 60 seconds before spitting it out. 

Scrub Your Tongue

Bacteria that cause bad breath can live on the tongue. While most people know to brush their teeth twice daily, they neglect to clean their tongue. Scrubbing the tongue helps to kill the bacteria that is responsible for halitosis, helping to freshen your breath. You can either use a toothbrush or buy a tongue scraper to help you with this process. 

Eat Raw, Crunchy Foods

The last tip to help you freshen your breath is to eat raw, crunchy foods. This consists of items such as apples, celery, and carrots. Raw, crunchy foods help to clean the teeth as you munch on them. This can help to free bacteria trapped on and between your teeth. In turn, this helps to freshen your breath. 

Halitosis is most commonly caused by bacteria that reside in the mouth. Drinking plenty of water, using an alcohol-free mouthwash, scrubbing your tongue and eating raw, crunchy food can help to minimize the bacteria in your mouth. However, they do not get rid of the bacteria altogether. In order to get rid of the bacteria, you need to determine where they are coming from. Gum disease, cavities, and poor dental hygiene are common reasons why these bacteria thrive in your mouth. If you have chronic bad breath, schedule an appointment with your dentist to determine what is causing the condition and how to treat it.  To learn more, contact a company like Northwest Dental Services and Implant Center.