National Fresh Breath Day: A Quick Guide to Beating Bad Breath
August 6, 2017
Bad breath can also be known as halitosis and almost 80 million Americans deal with it on a regular basis. Everyone deals with bad breath at one time or another, but you know how embarrassing it can be when it happens to you. August 6th is National Fresh Breath Day, and we want to help you beat bad breath and stop halitosis in Berkeley, CA, before it leads to gum disease.
What Causes Bad Breath?
While most people have dealt with bad breath, few realize the causes behind it.
- Dry mouth: a dry mouth can harbor bacteria and create an environment for them to grow, because low saliva leads to low oxygen which leads to bad breath.
- Foods: foods with dense proteins like fish, meat and dairy convert food proteins to sulfur compounds that are smelly.
- Poor hygiene: without regular brushing and flossing, plaque and bacteria build up and sulfur compounds are created in the gum tissue.
- Disease and illness: lung disease or diabetes can lead to dry mouth by reducing the production of saliva, and bad breath bacteria thrive in low oxygen environments.
How Can You Fight Bad Breath?
We have a few ideas to help you fight halitosis and avoid embarrassment.
- After each meal, eat an apple
- Reduce mucus and postnasal drip by gargling with salt water
- Brush with baking soda
- Chew gum, mints or lozenges to increase saliva flow
- Reduce acidic, sugary drinks
- Visit a dentist for a regular checkup and cleaning every six months
- Increase fiber in your diet and stop smoking if this is a habit
There are also clinically proven treatments in the form of special mouthwash and toothpaste that can help to fight bad breath by increasing oxygen and saliva flow in the mouth.
Contact Us
If you deal with bad breath on a regular basis and it is affecting your self-esteem and your relationships, schedule an appointment to discuss the problem with Dr. Keith Chertok.