8 Effective Ways to Keep Your Breath Fresh

Negative self-consciousness often comes from things we all experience from time to time. We can probably agree that one of the most prominent daily ones includes bad breath. It has happened to most of us; the reasons behind it are virtually countless, from the most natural, somewhat inevitable ones, to those that result from our unhealthy habits. Some of the most common reasons we fail to keep our breezy breath include:

• Dry mouth (which also causes the famous morning breath)
• Certain types of food
• Poor oral health care
• Odor-causing bacteria in the mouth
• Periodontal disease
• Tobacco products
• Certain health conditions, etc.

If you’ve found a potential culprit among the factors listed above, you’re probably eager to find effective solutions that will make your breath ridiculously fresh. Thankfully, we’re getting to it.

To begin with, let’s leave the unnecessary judgment at the door and dive into some of the most effective ways to get and keep a fresh breath at all times:

Keep a balanced diet

When we say balanced, we refer to a diet that includes all three macronutrients: lean proteins, complex carbs, and healthy fats. Not only will such a diet boost your fresh breath, but it will also improve your overall health in numerous ways. Since low-carb and ketogenic diets are becoming increasingly popular, it’s important to note that they aid the production of ketones in your body. These ketones can be responsible for a not-so-pleasant breath, so it’s important to add some healthy, complex carbs into your diet to balance things out and keep the odor away.

Brush, floss, and use an alcohol-free mouthwash regularly

While this next tip may seem a bit too obvious, try to be honest with yourself and determine whether or not you regularly complete other steps of good oral hygiene besides the brushing itself. Flossing is there for a reason, so try not to skip this step, especially before going to bed. Antibacterial mouthwash can also have a fantastic impact on your breath throughout the day (and night); however, make sure to opt for alcohol-free ones that typically contain chlorhexidine as the active ingredient. Lastly, we suggest you use a tongue scraper to remove any anaerobic oral bacteria that typically rests on the tongue.

Rinse with water after each meal and snack

Yes, brushing your teeth after each meal or snack would be going a bit overboard. However, you most likely have access to clean water after most of your meals, so make sure to rinse your mouth and ensure most of the leftover debris exits your mouth. By doing so, you’ll significantly lower your chances of bad breath.

 Skip the cigarettes

Cigarettes don’t only affect your breath soon after you finish one; they also have an immense impact on your overall oral condition and breath. The nicotine found in cigarettes is known to constrict the blood vessels in your mouth, preventing saliva production and causing your mouth to dry out. And, let’s be honest, there’s no health benefit connected to cigarette consumption, so you might as well never stop – or quit as soon as possible. 

Stay hydrated

It appears that dehydration can be responsible for so many things; whenever you visit the internet looking for health-related advice, everyone’s stressing about the importance of proper hydration. Well, there’s a good reason for it. In this case, staying hydrated can help you gain and maintain a fresh breath by providing adequate saliva production. This production is necessary because saliva itself contains some amazing antifungal and antibacterial properties that will ensure your breath is on point.

Chew on gums that contain xylitol or cinnamon

Both xylitol (a sweetener often used to embrace the flavor in sugar-free gums) and cinnamon have antibacterial as well as breath refreshing properties, so feel free to chew on gums that contain these substances and keep your mouth busy.

Embrace parsley and mint leaves

Mint and parsley are great natural options to freshen your breath. It’s recommended you regularly include them in your meals, but you can also add a few leaves to your sandwiches, smoothies, or snacks, as well as prepare some delicious, unsweetened tea and have it either hot or cold.

Don’t skip your dentist appointments

Last but definitely not least – make sure to visit your dentist regularly. According to emergency dentistry in Harrisburg, NC, during your regular check-ups, your dentist will likely provide some preventive services such as tartar removal and restorative care or find and treat certain gum diseases that may have caused the unpleasant breath. If at any point you notice your breath suddenly gaining an unpleasant odor you can’t seem to keep away, we strongly suggest you contact a dentist for further evaluation.