A great smile is a wonderful asset to have.  Your smile lights up a room and offers a warm welcome to guests, friends, and coworkers.  Additionally, a smile can improve the confidence in yourself and improve how others receive you.  But, what happens when you have a fantastic smile but bad breath?  Our Laguna Hills dentist and staff understand the causes of bad breath and are happy to share tips to a good oral health plan that will keep bad breath at bay.

Oral Routine

Above all else, you need to brush and floss your teeth daily.  Brush after every meal or at least two times throughout the day.  Flossing removes plaque.  If plaque continues to build up on your teeth, it becomes tartar and leads to oral mouth diseases like gingivitis and periodontal disease.  Brushing and flossing along with regular dental exams are part of a healthy mouth.

Healthy Foods

Foods play a big part in promoting bad breath.  A poor diet high in fats and carbohydrates increases bad breath, or halitosis.  Brushing and using mouthwash after a meal will improve your breath, but in other cases, halitosis may be a deeper issue.  Lodged food particles will attract bacteria which can lead to bad breath.  Other causes, like dry mouth, can cause halitosis, as well.

Home Remedies

When your bad breath won’t go away, it may be time to look toward other causes.  An illness such as the cold or flu may cause bad breath.  If brushing is not enough, make sure you haven’t missed your regular dental exam with your Laguna Hills dentist.  Other ways to attack bad breath can be done with natural items found in your home.

• Chew mint leaves to conquer onion and garlic breath. Mint leaves freshen breath without the added sugar that mint gum offers.  Plus, it is a natural aid in digestion.
• Brush with a paste made from baking soda and water. The baking soda removes stains that may be causing your bad breath.
• Make a mouthwash with baking soda and water. Besides the teeth whitening properties, baking soda interacts with the acidity levels in the mouth and helps to balance out pH levels.  This action helps reduce the bacteria causing bad breath.
• In a pinch, some spices can freshen breath. Fennel and cloves both have properties that destroy microbes and microorganisms that cause bad breath.

Of course the best way to fight bad breath is to have regular cleanings and dental exams with our Laguna Hills dentist and hygienist.  We can address your concerns and work together to determine the cause of your bad breath.

Don’t hide your gorgeous smile just because bad breath is plaguing you.  Call to schedule an appointment at our Laguna Hills dentist office or to inquire about your oral healthcare treatment plan.  You can also learn more by following us on Facebook for the latest trends in dental care.