Today is National Fresh Breath Day

A commitment to keeping your mouth clean, breath fresh and maintaining good oral hygiene is in order!

There are many of commercially available mouthwashes, toothpastes, and dental floss we can use to maintain our gums, teeth, and tongues in proper order. Here are some other ways to keep your breath smelling fresh.

1 – PROPER BRUSHING AND FLOSSING

The basic backbone of oral hygiene is routine flossing and brushing of your teeth. This will rid your teeth of plaque, tarter and unwanted bacteria.

You should floss at least once a day and brush two to three times a day with a soft bristle toothbrush, or better yet, try an electric toothbrush. Remember, the bristles of your toothbrush cannot reach between your teeth, so flossing is essential. Think of flossing like applying deodorant daily!

2- DRINK LOTS OF WATER

Acid reflux, one of the culprits that cause halitosis can be alleviated by drinking more water.

Post-nasal drip is a more common cause of bad breath than most people realize. Drinking more water will help free up secretions in the back of your throat, freshening up your breath.

If your body does not produce enough saliva, you can develop a dry mouth. Think of how your mouth and breath feel in the morning after waking up. A dry mouth is also a common side effect of many medications. Increased water consumption will moisten the mouth and keep things running smoothly.

3 – CHEW GUM

Sugarless gum comes in a variety of fruity and minty flavors. Chewing gum will moisten your mouth and increase the production of saliva.

4 – VISIT YOUR DENTIST AT LEAST TWICE A YEAR

Routine dental cleanings and annual x-rays of your teeth and gums will allow your dentist to screen for and treat cavities and gum disease at an early stage before they become bigger problems.

5 – USE A TONGUE SCRAPER

Clean your tongue daily with a tong scraper. Routine cleaning of the tongue will reduce food debris and plaque. Tongue scrapers can be found in the dental aisle of most health food and drug stores.

6 – CONSIDER GARGLING SALTWATER

A saltwater gargle will help dislodge anything that may become stuck in the crypts or pockets of your tonsils. Do not go overboard with the salt. One teaspoon of salt in six ounces of water should do.

7 – EAT STINKY FOODS WITH CAUTION

If you partake of stinky foods, know that your mouth will let others know. The list of ‘stinky’ foods includes, onions, garlic, spicy dishes and even coffee. These smells may linger in your mouth up to 72 hours after ingestion.

8 – DON’T SMOKE

Smoker’s breath is a nasty sour smell produced from smoke particles that get stuck in your mouth, throat and lungs while smoking cigarettes. The smell of a single cigarette can linger in your lungs for hours. The chemicals found in tobacco add to the stink. Cigarettes will also dry out your mouth.

9 – EAT MORE CRUNCHY, RAW FOODS

Because crunchy vegetable on average have a lower water content, they make your saliva glands produce more saliva in order to swallow and digest them. An increased saliva flow is a good thing!