Creating Beautiful Smiles One at a Time

With all this social networking, people aren’t getting the amount of “face time” that they used to. And for those of us that may have BAD BREATH… this could be a good thing for everyone! Many people have bad breath without even realizing it. This can decrease the likelihood of having a healthy social life, finding a significant other, and even moving forward in your career. The absolute most important aspect of having good breath is to have proper oral hygiene. Here are some tips to help ensure that your breath is always fresh:

• Open up and say “AHHHH”! Brush your teeth and don’t forget your tongue first thing every morning. Foul-smelling bacteria have had a chance to take over your mouth while you are asleep, and are most likely causing yucky "morning breath." The surface of your tongue accumulates an incredible amount of this foul-smelling bacteria throughout the night and during each day.
• A splash of cold water isn’t just for your face… After you brush your teeth and your tongue, rinse your mouth thoroughly and gargle with fresh, cool water. This is a very important step, one that many people overlook. This will help to soften the hard smell of your minty toothpaste.
• Bottoms up! After completing steps 1 and 2, make sure you drink a significant amount of water, and avoid eating or drinking anything else for at least 30 minutes. This completes the cleansing process of your mouth, throat, esophagus, and stomach, which is extremely important for fresh breath after you sleep.
• Watch what you eat… Out for a night on the town or prepping up for that important meeting? Maybe today’s the day you are going to finally ask them out… on these days avoid foods such as garlic, onions, sugary foods, meats, fish, poultry, and eggs. All of these foods are notorious for causing bad breath. Fresh fruits and vegetables actually help to cleanse your entire system, and the result is improved breath. Leafy green vegetables, in particular, are well-known for assisting the body in maintaining fresh breath. Try chewing fresh peppermint, spearmint, parsley, or basil instead of gum. Remember to drink fresh water after every meal and throughout the day.

If you find yourself with chronic bad breath, please consult your regular dentist. Bad breath could be a side effect of a more severe underlying condition.
At Stewart and Labbe Orthodontics, we will work closely with you and your Dentist to ensure that you overall oral health and hygiene is in tip top shape! Your beautiful smile deserves the very best!