Easy Ways to Enjoy Fresh Breath This February

February is the month for love and romance, and if you have plans to snuggle up with a significant other, it’s important to ensure your breath is fresh and sweet-smelling. However, most dentists in Newcastle would argue it’s important to ensure your breath smells good year-round and fresh breath isn’t just for February! Here are a few easy ways to freshen your breath.

Double down on Brushing Thoroughly

We know this advice is obvious, but unless you brush your teeth at least twice daily, you cannot hope to have fresh breath and good oral health. It’s best to brush first thing in the morning after you get up because this removes plaque bacteria that have built up while you sleep. During sleep, your mouth is drier, creating ideal conditions for these bacteria to multiply. Throughout the day, plaque bacteria will begin to build up once more, using food particles trapped on and between your teeth as an energy source. It’s important to remove them regularly as otherwise, you will soon develop problems like tooth decay and gum disease. Before you go to sleep, take another two minutes to brush your teeth thoroughly.

Floss like a Pro

Flossing is every bit as important as brushing because your toothbrush cannot clean right between your teeth where food becomes trapped. Unless regularly removed, these food particles will soon begin to rot, which can smell pretty gross! Flossing once-a-day helps to keep your gums healthy and strong, preventing gum disease. If the only time you floss is before you see a dentist in Clarington, ask us for help at your next visit. We can soon demonstrate how to show your gums some love by flossing like a pro. Once you know how it’s easy.

Brush Your Tongue

Do you brush your tongue regularly? Most people don’t, but it can harbour foul-smelling bacteria and food particles. Either gently brush your tongue with your toothbrush or spend a few dollars on a dedicated tongue scraper.

Watch Your Diet

Your food choices directly impact your breath, so if you are hoping to get closer to a special someone, avoid foods like onions and garlic or make sure you share the same meal. These foods are well-known for causing bad breath and unfortunately, you will have to be patient to get rid of the smell entirely. As your body digests the foods, they are breathed out through your lungs, and there’s nothing else you can do but wait until they are eliminated. Using minty mouthwash will only temporarily mask the smell.

Choose Mouthwash with Care

Talking of mouthwash, if you want to use it, then choose it carefully. An alcohol-based mouthwash can dry out your mouth, so look for an alcohol-free mouth rinse that, preferably, will benefit your oral health, for example, a rinse that is antimicrobial or which contains fluoride.

Chew Sugar-Free Gum

If you would like to brush your teeth but can’t after a meal, you can freshen up by chewing sugar-free gum, preferably one that contains xylitol that helps interrupt plaque bacteria. Chewing gum stimulates saliva production, helping to wash away bacteria and food particles. Saliva is essential for helping your mouth maintain a neutral pH.

When to See Your Dentist?

If you have an excellent oral hygiene routine and still think you have problems with bad breath, come and see us here at West Bowmanville Family Dental. Sometimes, untreated dental disease can cause halitosis, and our Courtice dentist can soon evaluate your oral health so we can discover the reason and provide suitable treatment. Also, having your teeth cleaned professionally can freshen breath, removing hardened plaque bacteria in the form of tartar, and generally giving your smile a bit more sparkle.

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