The Toothache That Changed My Life

If you suffer from chronic bad breath, you will most likely want to do whatever possible to alleviate the odor so others do not notice it while you are out in public. Having bad breath is a problem to over 65 million people in the United States, according to the National Institute of Dental Research. Here are a few methods you can use to freshen your breath when out and about.

Eat And Drink To Remove

Bacteria in the mouth is one of the main reasons your breath will become odorous. To help minimize odor, wash away excess bacteria in your mouth by drinking water frequently. If you do not have a readily available water source, eating something can help to get your salivary glands moving, helping to whisk away bacteria in the process.

Avoid foods that can exacerbate the smells coming from your mouth, such as garlic, onions, or cheese. Crunchy green vegetables work well as they contain chlorophyll, a natural bad-breath neutralizer. For this reason, parsley is often left as a garnish at fine dining establishments to help freshen breath after a meal. Citrus is another food that will freshen breath. If you are eating out, ask for a slice of lemon or lime to help sweeten the odor coming from your mouth. Spices such as cinnamon or cloves work as well.

Scrape Away Bacteria

If you are unable to get to a food or drink source, scraping your tongue will help remove excess bacteria that may be causing your bad breath troubles. Use something hard, such as the edge of a spoon or a credit card, to scrape away grime from your tongue. If you do not have an item available, scrape your teeth toward the tip of your tongue and spit out the grime you collect from the process.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

The best way to keep on top of a bad breath problem is to see your dentist regularly. You may have an underlying problem within your mouth that can be remedied by your dentist, taking away the smell of bad breath as a result. Since bad breath is caused by bacteria, keeping on top of your oral hygiene with daily brushing and flossing is a great way to help keep your breath smelling fresher. If you are out in public, keep a folding toothbrush and trial-sized tube toothpaste in your vehicle, purse, or pocket for a quick fix after eating.

If you need the intervention of a dentist to help with your bad breath, reach out to a dentist such as Rupp and Grabowski Family Dentistry.