Keep Your Breath Fresh for Your Valentine

Lots of kissing happens in the month of love, and you don’t want to pass on a smooch because you’re worried about your bad breath. You want to keep your mouth kissable with good oral hygiene.
While there are some cases when you’re bad breath may be emanating from your stomach, 80 percent of bad breath is actually caused by the millions of bacteria that live in your mouth. You actually have more bacteria in your mouth than you do cells in your body. Keep your halitosis at bay with these important oral health tips.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Brush your teeth (AND TONGUE) twice daily using a toothpaste that contains fluoride. The grooves and ridges on your tongue can trap bacteria, which then excrete a bad odor.  It’s important to brush the entire surface of the tongue, even near your tonsils. Flossing at least once a day will get the hidden particles of food that can contribute to bad breath.

Drink More Water

Prevent dry mouth (xerostomia) by drinking plenty of water. Think about how you feel in the morning after sleeping all night with your mouth open. Gross! Staying hydrated will help. A quick rinse after a glass of red wine will also help keep your teeth white. 

Visit the Dentist Regularly

Regular dental visits are important, too. Decaying teeth can give off a serious odor that no one loves. Regular cleanings will get rid of plaque and tartar below the gum line that you might not even realize is there, preventing decay and giving your mouth a thorough cleaning.

If you just can’t resist the complementary garlic rolls it’s ok to use a quick fix. Just make sure the gum you chew or the mint you suck on contains xylitol, which has actually been proven to reduce tooth decay. Also the mere act of chewing gum causes your mouth to produce extra saliva that washes away bacteria and food particles.

Keep these tips in mind and there wont be anything between you and your valentine’s kisses. Come to Kristen Ritzau’s office for a cleaning and checkup during the month of love!