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If you suffer from halitosis (bad breath) you likely have tried many things to correct it. Toothpastes, mints, gum, and even mouthwashes all claim to fight that foul aroma but sometimes fall short. So, what can you do to help ‘clear the air’ when traditional methods aren’t doing the job? Here’s the lowdown on one surprising product that could make a world of difference in your oral health!
What Causes Bad Breath?
There are many reasons you can develop persistent bad breath. Of course, what you eat matters, but if switching ingredients still isn’t helping, your offensive breath could be coming from several sources, including:
- Smoking, vaping, or using tobacco products
- Dry mouth
- Poor oral health / hygiene
- Low carbohydrate (low carb) diets
- Health conditions such as GERD or liver failure
How Can I Stop Bad Breath?
While lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, improving oral hygiene, and changing your diet can help address bad breath, one method that many patients aren’t aware actually helps is eating six ounces of plain, unsweetened yogurt a day. You see, yogurt is full of active flora, which can help by attacking the bacteria on your tongue. As they breed and digest, these gross bacteria release foul odors through your mouth, so when you eliminate them, you essentially cut off the source of bad breath. Better still, research has shown that regularly eating yogurt can reduce the levels of hydrogen sulfide (another compound that causes bad breath) in your mouth.
Other Odor Fighting Steps You Can Take
In addition to adding yogurt to your diet, be sure to visit your dentist twice a year for your regular, biannual exam and cleaning appointments. Keeping your teeth free from built on plaque can help keep your breath fresh and clean, and your dentist can help diagnose any issues that could be causing bad breath, such as gum disease, tooth infection, or poor oral hygiene.
Remember, if you have persistent bad breath that won’t go away with brushing alone, try making a small change like adding yogurt to your diet. If you still aren’t getting the results you need, reach out to your dentist for help!
About Our Practice
At Dentex Dental of Philadelphia, our team of experienced and caring dentists knows how to fight the bad bacteria that could be wreaking havoc on your smile, and your breath. If you’ve noticed a persistent unpleasant aroma emanating from your mouth, don’t waste money masking it with mints. Schedule your preventive exam and cleaning today and get a clean, healthy smile that eliminates that foul fragrance at the source. To schedule your exam and cleaning, please visit our website or call us at 215-677-3904.