7 Tips for Fresh Breath from Your Dentist in Daytona Beach

You’ve just been on the best first date of your life. You two had excellent conversation, the movie was fantastic, and dinner was lovely. Now you’re dropping them off. You lean in the kiss them goodbye, but they flinch and back away. Oh no. You’ve had awful breath this whole time. You feel absolutely awful. Is there a way to prevent this from happening next time? Let’s look at 7 tips for fresh breath from your dentist in Daytona Beach.

1. Chew on Your Parsley Sprig

You may have seen a little green sprig of parsley on your plate last time you went out to a restaurant. Many people throw these away. However, their purpose is to freshen your breath after you eat. Parsley can neutralize odors from foods like garlic and onions, and it can also remove odor-causing plaque from teeth.

2. Keep Your Teeth Nice and Clean

Brushing and flossing does more than prevent cavities. It can also stop bacteria that cause bad breath in their tracks. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to brush at least twice a day for two minutes at a time. Also, be sure to floss to keep plaque from building up in between your teeth.

3. Use Mouthwash

If you can’t brush your teeth, mouthwash can help wash away bacteria and leftover bits of food from your teeth. Using mouthwash between meals is one of the best ways to maintain fresh breath in Daytona Beach.

4. Brush Your Tongue

Odor-causing bacteria love to hang out and accumulate on your tongue. Make sure to use your toothbrush or a tongue scraper to remove these bacteria from your tongue and keep your breath nice and fresh.

5. Drink Plenty of Water

Drinking water helps your mouth produce more saliva, which is helpful in washing away food bits that cause bad breath when left behind. Stay hydrated by continually drinking water throughout the day.

6. Avoid Smoking

Most of us know how the smell of tobacco can stick to our clothes, but did you know it also causes seriously bad breath? Not only is the smell unpleasant, but smoking can cause dry mouth. This condition means your mouth does not produce enough saliva to wash away excess foods particles and bacteria.

7. Visit Your Dentist Every Six Months

Make sure you see your dentist at least twice a year for regular checkups and cleanings. If you experience persistent bad breath, your checkup would be an excellent time to let your dentist know. It might be a sign of a serious condition like gum disease or diabetes.

As you can see, keeping your breath fresh involves a lot more than just chewing gum! Make sure to practice good oral hygiene, and tell your dentist if your breath does not improve with these tips.

About the Author

Dr. David Lloyd graduated from the Emory University School of Dentistry. After serving as an officer in the U.S. Navy, he led a microbiology research program at a Navy lab in Cairo, Egypt. His papers from that program have been published in several journals. To learn more tips about keeping your breath fresh, contact Dr. Lloyd here or call him at (386)-253-3629.