As the holidays approach, the chances for you to be caught with bad breath increase. During this time of year, we are normally interacting with many more people that at other times of the year. Holiday parties, trips to the mall, dinners with friends and family functions are all places where you may be a little more up close and personal than you would like to be with others. In order to ensure that you have fresh breath this holiday season, follow these five tips:
1. Brush & Floss Twice a Day. Dentists recommend that you brush and floss twice a day to remove bacteria and food particles from your teeth and gums. Don’t slack off with dental hygiene over the holiday season because you are too busy with other things. Brushing and flossing is just as important as ever, if not more, during the holiday season because you may be consuming sugary drinks, alcohol, desserts and other foods that can damage your teeth.
2. Clean Your Tongue. Your tongue can be home to some bad-smelling bacteria, so you should gently brush your tongue as well as your teeth everyday with either a toothbrush or a tongue scraper. Scraping the bacteria from your tongue can help eliminate bad breath.
3. Chew Gum. If you are headed to a holiday party or dinner, bring a stick of sugar-free gum along for after the meal. Gum will stimulate the saliva in your mouth, which will naturally wash away plaque acids that can cause bad breath and tooth decay. Skip the mints, which can contain sugar that will promote bacteria growth.
4. Rinse When You Can. While it may not be possible for you to rinse your mouth out with an anti-bacterial mouthwash at a party or get together, you can rinse with fresh water after a meal to wash away food particles that can cause bad breath. Remembering to do this after a meal will help freshen your breath without having to keep a pocket-sized mouthwash handy.
5. Avoid Dry Mouth. Dry mouth can certainly contribute to bad breath, as you are lacking the saliva that will naturally keep bacteria at bay. If you notice that your mouth is dry, drink water to rehydrate. Stimulate the saliva by chewing sugar-free gum, or use a dehumidifier at home to keep the air slightly moist. If your dry mouth persists, see your dentist or doctor to rule out any medical conditions that could be causing the problem.
Follow these tips for a holiday season of fresh breath and happiness! If you have any questions about your dental hygiene, feel free to contact DentaLux today!
Leave a Reply