“How Do I Cure Bad Breath?”

Bad breath is an incredibly common thing that we hear about everyday at our dental office in Charlottesville. Affecting nearly 80 million Americans, bad breath can be embarrassing and affect the lives of those who have it. But bad breath sufferers don’t need to live that way forever. There are things they can do at home to help cure bad breath.

Brush & Floss Daily

It should come as no surprise that this is the first thing on our list. As dental professionals, we’re passionate about all the good things a simple brushing and flossing can do for oral and overall health. When it comes to bad breath, brushing twice a day will help remove bad breath bacteria from the surface of teeth, flossing will take care of those that found their way under the gum line, and a quick, gentle scrape of the tongue will swipe off any hiding in the grooves.

Snack on Fruits & Veggies

Eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables is not only good for your body, it’s good for your oral health too. We recommend snacking on the raw, crunchy kinds like carrots, apples, and celery. These healthy, yet yummy, treats rub off bacteria in between brushings, helping to keep breath fresh.

Drink Water

Just like water helps hydrate your body, it also does the same for your mouth. Water is another way to rinse away bacteria and keep saliva production efficient. However, sometimes water just doesn’t seem to cut it, and a mouth is still left feeling dry. This could be a sign of dry mouth, and dry mouth can cause bad breath. Medications, smoking, and mouth breathing can all contribute to dry mouth.

Quit Smoking

Smoking does more than contribute to dry mouth, it can also lead to having smokers’ breath. This unique smell is caused by not only the tobacco, but also the chemicals in cigarettes. Smoke particles and their smell can stay in the lungs even after a cigarette break, which means the smokers’ breath is prolonged, too. Chemicals in cigarettes can also have the same effect.

A Whole-Body Problem

Bad breath is much more than a minor concern. Bad breath can be a sign of several serious health problems including:  

• Respiratory infections
• Liver or kidney disease
• Diabetes
• Gum disease

If bad breath is a result of gum disease, that also puts people at increased risk for even more whole-body problems such heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and certain cancers. It can also lead to tooth loss.

Sufferers of bad breath shouldn’t assume that it’s no big deal, and we encourage anyone with chronic bad breath to schedule an appointment with their dentist in Charlottesville as soon as possible.  

We’re always happy to help our friends and neighbors with any of their oral health needs in a welcoming environment and without judgement. If you’re looking for a new dentist, or have a specific concern, contact us to schedule a visit to our Charlottesville dental office today.

About The Author

Dr. Jack T. Kayton

Dr. Jack T. Kayton has served families in Charlottesville and surrounding areas since 1994 through his general and family dentistry private practice. Believing that everyone deserves quality dental care, he donates his time to worthy causes. He volunteers at the Donated Dental Service and the Charlottesville Free Clinic. His professional affiliations include the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the Academy of General Dentistry, among others.

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