Fight that Bad Breath

This year we have all experienced new things.  Most people do in the United States, but this year the vast majority of people experienced what it is like to wear a facemask.  That is because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the scare that took place.  Regulations have been put in place all across the nation and the vast majority of people have to wear a facemask out in public situations.  This has led us to learn a whole lot about ourselves and many of us new things.  We now get to smell our own breath on a daily basis and have it put right back in our face.  The maks really let us know the state of our health and the fact is that around 80 million people actually have chronic bad breath or halitosis.  That is a large percentage of us and many people are simply noticing that their dental health could be better.  So I want to go over just a few tips to help fight bad breath even if they are basic.  Many of us struggle to get the basics turned into a habit so let's get healthy together.

I know, I know, this one is going to be very basic. But the truth is that brushing your teeth daily actually is a big part of the problem.  The fact is that most Americans don't brush their teeth half as much as they tell their dentist.  We all tell our dentist we brush twice a day and he or she will always tell us that twice a day is best.  The ADA is a big proponent of brushing twice a day and that number usually keeps plaque, tartar, and things that cause halitosis from happening.  Now the truth is that Americans usually brush once a day at best.  It is true, the vast majority only brush in the morning or at night.  So if this is you, work on adding in that extra brush. 

Make it a habit.  Habits are usually performed by doing something 30 times in a row.  That means that if you brush in the morning usually, then you should add in a night brush for the next thirty days and make it a priority.  This is so hard to due if you are not used to it.  My take on this is to add an alarm that repeats each night an hour before bedtime.  Then you know that you have the time to brush your teeth and can make a habit of it.  Flip the whole idea around if you are a night brusher and need that morning brush. 

 

The main cause of bad breath is that nasty bacteria that builds up from food and drinks.  Now, not all bacteria is bad, but the stuff you need to brush and clean out certainly is.  One habit you need to add to your routine is flossing.  Now I will be flat out honest with you, I hate flossing.  I think it is strange and feels not very hygenic.  But I learned that you could use these disposable flossing sticks and that made the whole difference to me.  I added that into my night brush and I was able to floss without touching the nasty floss or touch the inside of my mouth.  The flossing stick was incredible, and most come with a toothpick on the back end for those tough stuck foods.  Try to take these tips and turn them into habits!