All of us have dealt with bad breath at one time or another. For some, bad breath comes after enjoying garlic bread or other potent food ingredients that contribute to an unusual smell. For others, bad breath is a common issue that they work hard to avoid. Bad breath, also known as “halitosis,” affects millions of Americans on a daily basis. In many situations, it can be addressed in more natural ways, while in others, patients might need the assistance of their dentist to determine the source of the problem and find a more proactive way to address it.
Below are just a few ways Mesa, AZ area patients can naturally fight off bad breath:
- Water with acid. Drinking water keeps the mouth moist, while acid can create an environment in the mouth that makes it nearly impossible for bacteria to thrive. We recommend drinking water with lemons or oranges for the best results.
- Cinnamon. Cinnamon is a spice that has essential oils known for killing germs. Our team recommends drinking cinnamon teas, chewing sugar-free cinnamon gum, or rinsing out the mouth with a cinnamon and water solution to prevent bacterial growth.
- Enjoy crisp, chewy foods. Certain foods can help in scrubbing the teeth between meals, such as celery, and can also help in stimulating saliva flow to neutralize acids in the mouth that might contribute to tooth decay and bad breath.
- Brushing the tongue. When brushing your teeth, don’t forget your tongue! The tongue can harbor bacteria that can cause severe bad breath and shouldn’t be overlooked. Some patients who have chronic problems with their tongue contributing to halitosis might want to consider adding a tongue scraper to their daily dental instruments.
Are you still struggling with halitosis?
If bad breath still remains after trying some of the above suggestions, it may be time to speak to a dentist at Drs. of Smiles Gentle Family Dentistry. Contact the practice today by calling (480) 834-6991 and speaking to our front office team at 1056 South Val Vista Drive, Suite #1. Our Mesa, AZ area dental team will help you determine the cause of your halitosis and speak to you about effective treatments.