5 Ways to Rock Fresh Breath Day

Officially recognized as National Fresh Breath Day, August 6 is a great time to adopt new healthy habits. Here are five tips to keep your mouth cleaner and your breath smelling great.

1. Understand the cause.

According to the American Dental Association, poor oral hygiene is the main cause of bad breath. When we fail to brush properly, food particles collect between the teeth, along gum tissue and on the surface of the tongue. Naturally occurring oral bacteria then devour this food and release foul-smelling chemicals.

2. Brush your tongue.

According to research, about 50 percent of adult Americans suffer from bad breath. Many times, this is because they fail to clean their tongues when they brush. Even if you brush and floss perfectly, you will still have bad breath if you fail to clean your tongue. If you see any sort of white coating on the surface of your tongue, use a toothbrush or tongue scraper to scrub it clean.

3. Snack on produce.

Crunchy fruits and vegetables cause you to produce more saliva, which helps rinse your mouth clean and prevent odor-causing bacteria from developing.

4. Drink plenty of water.

By regularly flushing your mouth with water, you can help rinse away bacteria and food particles. You can also chew sugar-free gum to stimulate your salivary glands.

5. See your dentist.

If your bad breath persists despite your best efforts, it may be time to see your dentist. Sometimes, persistent bad breath can be a sign of periodontal disease, which can ultimately lead to tooth and bone loss. After a thorough evaluation, your dentist may treat your bad breath by performing gum therapy treatments. Whatever the case, persistent bad breath should never be ignored, especially if it occurs along with other symptoms, such as gum inflammation and bleeding.