One of the most common problems that people have with their dental care, aside from cavities, is halitosis, or more commonly known as bad breath. As your Jacksonville dentist, Dr. Tiffany Shields care about your oral health. We have compiled a list of three things that you can do every day to make sure that you are not plagued with the issue of halitosis.

1. Brush and Floss Daily

Although it may be second nature to some, there are many people who do not use best practices when it comes to brushing and flossing their teeth. There are over 700 types of bacteria in the mouth and it is important to keep the mouth as clean as possible. The best defense against bacteria is to brush your teeth thorough twice a day. You should also be flossing at least once a day. This will help to remove food and plaque trapped within the teeth that cause halitosis.

2. Know the Culinary Causes

There are some foods like garlic and onion which can cause bad breath. Meat products are known for getting stuck in teeth, and sticking around even after you have had a drink to “wash it down.” These meat products are a good way for bacteria to form between teeth, and cause bad breath.

2. Drink Water

A dry mouth can quickly lead to bad breath as well. The less saliva you are producing, the more likely it is for a case of bad breath to arise. Saliva is needed to wash away foods and acts as an antibacterial rinse. Drinking water periodically throughout the day helps make up for a lack of saliva if you suffer from dry mouth.

At Smiles by Shields we are always happy to share any news that can positively affect your overall dental health. Call our offices to see how we can improve your dental health today.