Few things can make you more self-conscious than having bad breath. Rather than focus on a conversation with a friend or loved one, your attention will likely be more focused on ways to mask your breath. Unfortunately, this effort may be interpreted as rudeness rather than kindness. Thus, maintaining fresh breath plays an important role in your self-confidence and in your interactions with others. So if you’re looking for tips for fresh breath, look no farther than your Erlanger dentist, Dr. Darlene Henry. She explains the causes and remedies for bad breath.

What Causes Bad Breath?

The most common cause of bad breath is bacteria in the mouth. Bacteria cling to teeth and feed on residual sugar in the mouth. The focus of achieving fresh breath, therefore, is the removal of these bacteria.

Tips for Fresher Breath

  • Brush and floss your teeth regularly. Brush your teeth twice a day, being sure to angle the bristles of your toothbrush down toward the gum line. Also, be sure to brush your tongue to remove any bad-breath causing bacteria on its surface. Flossing is also an important part of ensuring fresh breath. Floss cleans surfaces of the teeth that a toothbrush cannot.
  • Attend regular dental visits. Sometimes plaque and tartar stick around despite your best efforts. Professional cleanings can remove this plaque and tartar and the bacteria contained within each of them, resulting in fresher breath.
  • Stay hydrated. Did you know that saliva plays in important role in cleaning your teeth? Saliva can neutralize acids, protecting teeth from decay. It can also aid in keeping teeth free of bacteria. However, when you are dehydrated, your mouth does not produce as much saliva. Therefore, staying hydrated can actually keep your breath fresher for a longer period of time.

Schedule an Appointment with Your Erlanger Dentist

Professional cleanings can remove bacteria-ridden plaque and tartar and keep teeth healthy. If it’s been more than six months since your last dental visit, schedule an appointment with your Erlanger dentist, by calling our 41018 dentist office at 859-344-8500. We serve patients from Erlanger, Cincinnati, Crestview Hills, Fort Mitchell, Florence, Union, Independence, and Taylor Mill.