Most Effective Breath Freshener

By Shelby Tatomir on August 6, 2018 in Dental Health

Have you ever breathed into your hand to “test” if you have bad breath? If you do, you’re not alone. In fact, up to 50% of people in the US suffer some degree of bad breath, or that fancy, medical term - halitosis.

There are many products you can use that can help banish your bad breath, and there are some that will temporarily mask it. We’re here to help you find the most effective breath freshener:

First, what causes bad breath?

Food and Drinks

One of the most common causes of bad breath is the food we eat and drinks we consume. It’s a misconception that bad breath comes from the actual food and drinks coating our mouths. The root cause of bad breathe is more likely to come from food and liquid entering our bloodstream and recirculating into our lungs, where the odors are carried.

Poor Oral Hygiene

A proper dental care routine, consisting of brushing and flossing twice a day, is an important factor to the quality of your breath (among many other things).  Good brushing habits and flossing will remove a majority of these particles and help prevent the smell of bad breath.

Dry Mouth

Your mouth uses saliva to keep itself moist and it acts as a cleanser. Without enough saliva, a dry mouth will cause you to have bad breath. Some medical conditions and medications cause dry mouth, so it’s important to talk to your doctor if it’s a concern. 

How can you reduce bad breath?

Gum, sprays and breath mints provide temporary relief from bad breath by increasing saliva. Sugar free gum will help dislodge food from your teeth after a meal, while sugar-free mints are better option if you have jaw soreness from TMJ.

Mouthwash comes in a variety of forms. Antiseptic mouthwash contains alcohol, which kills bacteria but is drying. Fluoride mouthwash contains sodium fluoride, which strengthens teeth and prevents tooth decay. Cosmetic mouthwash freshens breath but does not reduce your risk of cavities of gum disease.

Other things you can do:

• Clean your retainers, mouth guards or dentures regularly
• Avoid foods that cause bad breath, like onions and garlic
• Keep hydrated by drinking water

Prevent bad breath by brushing and flossing regularly, visiting your dentist for regular preventive check-ups and talking to your dentist about any concerns you may have.

Need to find a dentist? Click here to find a dentist near you.