Bad breath can be a real turnoff. If you’re looking to avoid social embarrassment and keep your breath smelling great, there are a few simple things you can do. Dr. Eric Wiitala of Scottsdale, AZ, is here to educate you on ways to address persistent bad breath that tends to remain even with proper oral health habits.

How can I address chronic bad breath?

There are several ways to tackle bad breath. Below are a couple recommendations from Dr. Eric Wiitala and his team in Scottsdale, AZ:

• Brush your teeth as recommended. Using fluoride toothpaste and using a soft-bristled brush, brush your teeth after every meal. Fluoride helps kill bacteria and freshen your breath. You can also chew sugar-free gum or mints to help freshen your breath.
• Floss between teeth once a day. Flossing between the teeth removes food particles that can remain after meals and contribute to bad breath.
• Use mouthwash. Mouthwash can be used for a variety of purposes while freshening breath it a primary goal. Some patients with certain conditions such as periodontal disease or those at high risk of tooth decay may benefit from prescription mouthwashes, too!
• Eat healthy, eliminating or reducing consumption of foods that tend to cause bad breath. This includes common foods like garlic and onions that can cause temporary or extended halitosis.
• Use a tongue scraper. Scrape your tongue after brushing and flossing your teeth to remove bacteria that can cause bad breath.
• Drink plenty of water. Drinking water not only keeps your body hydrated, but it can help stimulate saliva production that can wash away food particles in the mouth.
• Treat conditions such as dry mouth. Dry mouth can not only be uncomfortable, but it can also contribute to bad breath. Drink water, use mouthwashes for dry mouth, and talk to Dr. Eric Wiitala about specific products that can be used to treat this condition, in turn reducing halitosis.

Request an appointment with Dr. Eric Wiitala today!

Scottsdale, AZ, area patients interested in learning more about managing halitosis, can connect with our team today by calling 480-657-6981 to schedule a visit with Dr. Eric Wiitala.