With a number of causes, bad breath is something that can affect anyone at any time.

Here at Valley Dental Practice we have come up with 10 top tips to ensure that your breath smells as pleasant as the smile it sits behind.

  • You are what you eat

If you eat certain foods enough, you’ll smell like them too. Garlic and onions are classic culprits but limit acidic and high-fructose foods as well. Most acids and sugars ramp up bacteria production in the mouth, resulting in bad breath. Common seafoods like tuna are just as potent.

  • Watch what you drink

Coffee and alcohol both contain a potent residue that sticks to existing mouth plaque. When you exhale, this will spread a foul scent.

  • Always have a toothbrush to hand

By ensure that you always have a toothbrush and toothpaste to hand in your bag or at your desk at work you can ensure that whatever you have for lunch does not stay with you until dinner.

  • Update the equipment

It is important to ensure that you change your toothbrush every three months, or sooner if the bristles become worn.

  • Keep hydrated

In addition to flushing out toxins, water keeps you hydrated and stimulates your saliva glands – which cleanse your tongue and teeth of food debris throughout the day. This prevents the build-up of bacteria that contributes to bad breath.

  • Eat your greens

Crisp green foods help to remove plaque and food debris that can cause bad breath. This could be an apple, celery or lettuce.

  • Quit smoking

Smoking can cause an unpleasant odour all of its own. The only way to combat this is to give up the cigarettes for good.

  • Don’t forget your tongue

Your tongue often gets forgotten when you are completing your oral hygiene routine and this means it can become a haven for bacteria build-up. A tongue scraper can help to keep your tongue clean and banish the bad breath it causes.

  • Good oral hygiene

Brush your teeth at least twice a day and use interdental cleaning aids daily to clean those areas between teeth that brushes alone misses.

  • Regular Dental Visits

It is important the you attend for your regular dental appointments. At these appointments the dentist will be able to provide you with advice on the best oral hygiene routine to follow to keep bad breath in check. They will also be able to examine your teeth and gums to determine if there are any other underlying causes.

Bad breath is one of life’s annoying little quirks. As unpleasant as it is, following our fresh breath tips, will help to ensure that your breath is always minty fresh.