No matter how beautiful and white your smile is, you’re not going to want to smile and join in conversations if your breath doesn’t smell fresh. Don’t let chronic bad breath hold you back; this condition is treatable with diligent, intelligent care. Although it may seem that the best way to freshen breath is by using breath mints and gum, the truth is that conquering bad breath has a lot to do with your regular dental routine.

So what do our Boca Raton general dentists recommend?

Hopefully you’re already brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day. Marinating this routine is vital to your dental health. Brushing and flossing clear away bacteria from the surface of your teeth and between your teeth. Plaque and tartar are what cause bad breath—these bacteria laden substances feed on sugars and starches in your mouth. As they feed and grow, the bacteria produce bad odors and tastes.

To keep plaque and tartar to a minimum you should keep brushing and flossing at least twice day. You can additionally us an antimicrobial rinse to kill bacteria in hard to reach places. These at-home measures will help you maintain your teeth day to day. Every six months, you should see a professional dentist for an in-office cleaning. These cleanings are more thorough and effective than at-home brushing and flossing. Many patients notice that their breath improves immediately after a professional cleaning.

Remember that what you eat also affects your breath. As we mentioned, sugars and starches fortify odor-causing bacteria. So try to minimize processed sugars and carbohydrates in your food. When you do eat unhealthy substances, take the time to rinse or brush directly after.

If you’ve tried all of these suggestions and you’re still struggling with bad breath, you may be suffering from periodontal disease, which also causes malodorous breath. Our Boca Raton general dentists can help you combat periodontal problems and regain fresh-smelling breath. Give us a call at (561) 705-0249.