Do You Have Bad Breath?


Man and woman romantically nose to nose

It’s Valentine’s Day! The day to make a fuss over the ones you love. Romantic dinners, walks on the pier, sweet nothings shared in candlelight, perhaps. You’ve been planning the perfect date for weeks. Now that it’s here, the last thing you want to do is lean in for that good night kiss with bad breath.

Solutions to Combat Bad Breath

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a killer of romantic evenings and a blight in any number of other important occasions we experience in life. Bad breath can be caused by a variety of factors such as poor oral hygiene, gum disease, dry mouth, and certain foods or medications. Our best dentists at Dental Partners of Boston recommend the following solutions to help combat bad breath:

  • Good oral hygiene: Brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day can help remove food particles and plaque that can cause bad breath.
  • Regular dental cleanings: Professional dental cleanings can help remove built-up plaque and tartar that can contribute to bad breath.
  • Addressing gum disease: If gum disease is the cause of bad breath, we may recommend treatment such as scaling and root planing to remove bacteria and tartar from the gumline.
  • Tongue cleaning: Cleaning the tongue regularly with a tongue scraper can help remove odor-causing bacteria.
  • Using mouthwash: An antibacterial mouthwash can help kill odor-causing bacteria in the mouth.
  • Hydrating: Drinking plenty of water can help prevent dry mouth, which can lead to bad breath.
  • Quitting smoking: Smoking can contribute to bad breath and a host of other oral health issues. Quitting can improve oral health and reduce bad breath.
  • Avoiding certain foods: Foods such as garlic, onions, and spicy foods can cause bad breath. Avoiding these foods or brushing and flossing after consuming them can help.

Take note of that last suggestion as you head out for your special date this evening. And remember, it is important to identify the underlying cause of bad breath in order to effectively treat it. If halitosis seems to be a regular problem for you, a daily issue, we can help diagnose and recommend appropriate treatment based on your specific case. Call to make an appointment today.

Happy Valentines Day from all of us at Dental Partners of Boston!


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