Fighting Bad Breath

Along with keeping oral care for a nice smile, it is also important for keeping fresh breath. If you deal with frequent bad breath, keep reading for some tips! Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics of Orland Park, IL wants all of their patients to practice good oral hygiene.

Bad breath is caused from bacteria in your mouth. There are certain kinds of bacteria that cause odor and the foods we eat can contribute to them. Foul-smelling breath can also be worsened by a dry mouth, as bacteria thrive in dry mouth conditions.

In order to keep bacteria at bay and your breath fresh, make sure to keep a clean mouth and stay hydrated. Brushing two or three times per day and flossing once per day will keep plaque and debris away. When brushing, make sure to hit all the surfaces of your mouth, especially your tongue. The tongue has hair-like taste buds where bacteria love to hide. Keep hydrated by getting in your daily water recommendation every day. It’s a good idea to mark a water bottle with times of the day so you get even hydration.

Avoid drinks that dry out the mouth like alcohol and caffeine, especially if you have an event you want fresh breath for, like if you will be sharing an elevator, a car, or have a date. If you do need a boost of caffeine, try green tea. It still has caffeine, but it hydrates you and has properties that fight bad breath bacteria!

To have fresh breath and keep it, oral hygiene is very important! To schedule an appointment at Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics of Orland Park, IL, call our office at (708) 444-8341 or visit our website, www.drcynthiawong.com.