We’ve all been known to wake up with a case of bad breath from time to time, but even though it’s perfectly normal to occasionally suffer from a slightly stinky mouth, few of us are trying to keep the smell around. While twice daily brushing and flossing are your best defense against a chronic case of bad breath, there are other at-home remedies you can try to freshen things up a bit! If you’d like to learn how a few small habits can lighten up your breath, keep reading to gain some minty fresh insights!
Drinking Tea
Research has found that the polyphenols contained in both green and black tea may inhibit the growth of bacteria that is generally associated with bad breath. This research has also indicated that polyphenols may be responsible for preventing bacteria that already exists from producing the gases that cause bad breath, such as hydrogen sulfide. While both green and black tea contain polyphenols, it’s important not to load up your cup with additional sugar which can linger in the mouth and cause both odorous bacteria and decay.
Herbal Remedies
There’s a reason most toothpastes are given flavor reminiscent of your spice cabinet! Herbs such as mint, cinnamon, rosemary, and parsley can all help to freshen a slightly stale mouth. Add these ingredients to tea or simply chew on a sprig for a minute or so to notice a change in the smell of your breath.
Mouthwash
The debate seems to rage over whether or not to incorporate mouthwash into your daily oral hygiene routine, but research routinely shows that mouthwash can have a hugely positive influence on oral health. Mouthwashes use ingredients such as zinc oxide to neutralize odors, and many contain alcohol or other ingredients that help to wipe out odor causing bacteria altogether! Mouthwashes can be used after brushing and flossing or at any point throughout the day to give breath a bit of a touch-up.
Treat Your Tongue
Many of us do a great job of brushing our teeth, but we still manage to skip over half of the surface in our mouth when we set down the brush: our tongues! Our tongues are hotbeds for bacteria and shouldn’t be ignored when going through our daily oral health routine. Consider investing in a tongue scraper to help remove excess food and bacteria from your tongue, which will instantly help to freshen your breath. Alternatively, simply give your tongue a scrub with your toothbrush once you’ve finished brushing your teeth every day.
Bad breath doesn’t have to be a source of embarrassment for you! There are many small ways to make an improvement in the smell of your mouth, and it’s important to remember that everyone suffers from this condition every so often.
If you have a question about how to keep your breath fresh, or if you think you may have a larger issue than a minor case of morning breath, give us a call at Olympia Fields Dental Associates to set up an appointment today!