If you notice that some people face away from you as you talk to them and you aren’t sure why, it might be worth it to ask a friend or loved one if you have bad breath. Additionally, you can lick the back of a spoon and wait for it to dry. Upon drying, give it a quick smell. If the spoon smells bad, you have bad breath. Another tell is if your breath still stinks even after brushing and flossing. As recommended by a dentist in Beverly Hills, here are four steps to take if you want to make your breath smelling fresh once more.

Examine Your Oral Care Habits

Not only can unremoved plaque (the sticky, colorless film that coats your teeth) cause bad breath, but so can unremoved food particles that get stuck in between them. Make sure to brush twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste to remove plaque and loosen food debris. If you find yourself waking up with very bad breath in the morning, make sure that you are brushing right before you go to bed.

Furthermore, it’s worth adding an oral rinse to your oral care routine. Following your brushing, use your toothbrush to gently scrape excess bacteria from the surface of your tongue. If your breath is bad, it’s likely because your tongue is not as clean as it should be.

Take a Look at Your Diet

There are many foods that can make your breath stink. For example, if you have a diet that is high in garlic or onions, it might be worth it to either tone down your consumption of them or simply avoid eating them when you know you’ll be speaking with friends and family. Instead of chewing any after-dinner mints (which tend to contain high amounts of sugar and contribute to bad breath), chew some sugar-free mint gum for about 20 minutes.

Kick Habits That Cause Bad Breath

One of the worst habits for your breath is smoking or using tobacco in any form. Not only does your breath constantly stink, but it can actually increase the risk of dental conditions like oral cancer and gum disease. The sooner you can quit the habit, the sooner you can start having better breath.

Visit a Dentist for Additional Guidance

Chronic bad breath (also known as halitosis) can easily be caused by an underlying condition that you may not have been aware of previously. If you’ve tried everything and can’t seem to find a solution, see a dentist.

Just because you have bad breath doesn’t mean you should be forced to live with it! Dentists are more than happy to perform a detailed exam of your mouth and provide their professional recommendation.

About Beverly Hills Complete Dentistry

The dentists at Beverly Hills Complete Dentistry work hard to help patients achieve both positive oral health and whole-body wellness however they can. Their detailed exams and cleanings are sure to catch underlying issues before they have a chance to cause serious problems. If you have chronic bad breath and aren’t sure where to turn or simply need to set up a routine checkup, you can contact them through their website.