Having bad breath is a pretty common fear—and a pretty common problem for people! Even if you brush twice a day and use mouthwash, you might still deal with bad breath on a regular basis. And while you should be flossing regularly anyway, finally committing to this habit could be what kicks your bad breath to the curb. Keep reading for more info! 

The Benefits of Flossing Regularly

Did you know that research actually shows a correlation between not flossing and bad breath? That’s right! And while most turn to mouthwash to fix this issue, it’s only a short-term fix.

There are plenty of reasons to floss regularly, but preventing bad breath is a very compelling one. Bacteria is what causes bad breath, and flossing can go a long way in reducing the amount of bacteria buildup in your mouth. Removing extra food particles and stimulating saliva production will significantly reduce both bad breath and your risk for plaque buildup and other problems. 

While we tend to think of bad breath as more of a social problem, it can also be a sign of more serious oral health issues. If you’re flossing regularly, brushing thoroughly, and taking care of your mouth in general and still have bad breath, it’s time to talk to your dentist about it. 

Other Contributors to Bad Breath

One of the most common causes of bad breath is simply having a dry mouth. Plaque buildup is what causes that bad smell, and it’s more likely to occur if there isn’t saliva washing away food and bacteria. Here are a few things that can cause your mouth to become dry and potentially smelly. 

The Time of Day 

Even supermodels have bad breath in the morning—it’s natural! If you’ve ever wondered why this happens, it’s because your body stops producing saliva while you’re asleep. That means your mouth can dry out, leading to that unpleasant taste and smell when you wake up. 

Being Dehydrated

Your body lets you know when it needs water, and feeling like your mouth is dry is one of the earliest signs. Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water throughout the day! Food also plays a part here. Chewing food (or gum) stimulates saliva production so, if you aren’t eating enough, you aren’t giving your mouth enough opportunities to create saliva. 

Drinking Alcohol

It’s no secret that alcohol is dehydrating. And while you might make sure you drink plenty of water after a night out, it’s important to compensate for even one alcoholic drink to avoid bad breath. For every cocktail or beer you have, alternate with a big glass of water! 

Make Your Oral Health a Priority

While having bad breath is normal sometimes—like first thing in the morning or after eating something pungent—it’s not normal to constantly deal with this problem. Bad breath is usually a sign of a more serious problem, so it’s important to take it seriously. Brushing at least twice a day, drinking plenty of water, and flossing regularly will go a long way in preventing bad breath. 

If you’ve tried everything and your bad breath won’t seem to stay away, it’s time to set up an appointment with your dentist. They’ll be able to do a thorough inspection, determine the cause of your bad breath, and suggest a solution! Get in touch with LeCroy Dental today.