Did you know that July 6 is International Kissing Day? This holiday was created to recognize, appreciate, and celebrate this simple act of love, so don’t let halitosis or bad breath ruin your special smooch! Here at Bowen Legacy Dental, we have some great tips to help prevent bad breath and prepare you to pucker up with confidence this International Kissing Day:
1) Practice good oral hygiene
Brushing and flossing are the most effective ways to ward off bad breath. Brushing helps to remove food debris and plaque from your teeth, keeping your mouth clean and fresh. Flossing is also vital for a fresh mouth, as floss removes the debris and plaque that can become trapped between your teeth. By brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day and flossing at least once a day, you should be able to ensure a fresh mouth for International Kissing Day.
2) Hydrate
Drinking water is one of the simplest steps you can take to keep your mouth clean. When you are dehydrated, your mouth does not have enough moisture to produce saliva, which can trigger odor-causing bacteria to develop in your mouth. Furthermore, water can help wash away food particles and bacteria in your mouth.
3) Clean your tongue
Halitosis-causing compounds can form on your tongue when bacteria and amino acids combine, which, in turn, creates an unpleasant smell in your mouth. Therefore, it’s very important to clean your tongue regularly to prevent the buildup of these compounds. You can purchase an inexpensive tool called a tongue scraper at your local drug store, or you can simply use your toothbrush to scrub away bacteria from your tongue.
4) Don’t smoke
Tobacco dries out your mouth and leaves an unpleasant smell that can linger even after brushing your teeth. This habit also increases your risk of gum disease, which is another potential cause of bad breath. You can ask your dentist for tips on kicking this unhealthy habit.
5) Chew a piece of sugarless gum
Chewing gum can stimulate the production of saliva, which helps to wash away food particles and bacteria. Look for gum that contains the sugar substitute xylitol, which can boost dental health and help prevent tooth decay. This will leave you feeling minty fresh!
With these tips in mind, you should be well-equipped to take on International Kissing Day with confidence and share some affection with the special people in your life. However, if bad breath continues to be an ongoing issue for you, go ahead and schedule an appointment at Bowen Legacy Dental today to make sure there isn’t an underlying problem causing your chronic halitosis. You’ll feel so much more confident with a mouth that feels fresh and clean!
