Home Remedies for Fresh Breath

Jan 16th, 2024
Easton Dentists Feb 5th, 2024

Ever had that awkward moment when you realize your breath might be a bit… off? Yeah, bad breath, or halitosis, happens to pretty much everyone at some point. It can be because of the food we eat, being dehydrated, catching a cold, or even just not brushing our teeth well enough.

So, why does our breath start to smell bad? It’s mostly because of tiny bits of food and dead cells hanging out in our mouths. These leftovers are like a party invitation for bacteria, especially in places where there’s not much air, like the back of your tongue or between your gums. These bacteria are the culprits behind that stinky sulfur smell in bad breath.

No one likes having bad breath. It’s embarrassing and can make hanging out with friends super uncomfortable. But here’s some good news: getting rid of bad breath isn’t too hard, with some easy home tricks and regular dentist visits.

Here are some tips to kick bad breath to the curb:

  • Brush your teeth twice a day and don’t forget to floss.
  • Drinking green or black tea can help slow down those bad-breath bacteria.
  • Look for a mouthwash without alcohol (it dries out your mouth) but with zinc or essential oils like tea tree, peppermint, and lemon, which are great for fighting bad breath.
  • Get a tongue scraper from the store, or use your toothbrush, to clean off any dead cells or food bits on your tongue.
  • Drink lots of water to keep your mouth from getting dry.
  • Eating crunchy fruits and veggies like apples, carrots, and celery can help clean your teeth naturally.
  • Try rubbing fluoride toothpaste on your teeth and leaving it for 30 minutes before rinsing for extra protection.
  • Chewing on natural herbs like licorice root, parsley, rosemary, or tarragon can freshen your breath in a pinch.
  • Try to avoid alcohol, coffee, fried foods, milk, spicy foods, and too much sugar since they can make bad breath worse. Plus, your dentist will thank you for avoiding stuff that’s bad for your teeth too.

Remember, keeping your breath fresh is part of taking care of yourself, so don’t skip those dentist visits and keep up with your dental hygiene routine!

In normal circumstances, bad breath can be eliminated with simple home remedies. However, before relying on home remedies to eliminate bad breath, it is very important to visit a dentist in your area at least every six months to have your teeth examined and cleaned. If you do not have a local dentist, The Dental Center at Easton Town Center would certainly welcome you as a new patient.

How to Check for Bad Breath in a Pinch

Feb 18th, 2014
Easton Dentists Mar 1st, 2017

Everyone fears having bad breath in that important interview or on a date with someone special. A quick way to self-check for bad breath is by licking your wrist, waiting 10 seconds then smelling the spot you licked.

The most prevalent causes of bad breath are odor-omitting bacteria living on the back of the tongue, below the gumline, and in the pockets created by gum disease between teeth and the gums. The bacteria that grow on your tongue produce malodorous compounds and fatty acids that produce a foul smell. Gum disease can also produce an oppressive odor.

There are several options to prevent bad breath. Cleaning your tongue at least twice a day will help prevent odor-causing bacteria from building up. Flossing is also essential in keeping breath smelling great. Flossing removes trapped food particles from between your teeth that cause odor. A dry mouth is more likely to omit an odor; chewing sugar-free gum will help to keep your mouth moist. It may seem obvious, but brushing your teeth at lease twice a day will help keep your mouth clean and fresh.

Having a healthy mouth is of the utmost importance and the key to keeping breath smelling great. Regular cleanings and appointments with your dentist will keep your mouth in good health! The dental experts at The Dental Center can help you achieve optimal dental health.