You’ve probably seen the commercial for a certain gum company.
You have a hero for lunch, and then get in the elevator with that Vice President who you have been meaning to have sign your case documents. Only to have him smell what you were eating for lunch. No good.
Bad breath can be more than a punch line, and it can be caused by food trapped in teeth or by something more serious – gum disease.
It happens to the best of us. At one time or another, we suffer from bad breath, also called halitosis.
The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) estimates that more than 80 million people suffer from chronic halitosis. Most bad breath comes from the gums and tongue, which are home to accumulated bacteria. When these microbes process debris from food, saliva, postnasal drip, and other sources, the result is a foul-smelling sulfur compound.
Failing to brush and floss regularly is the number one cause. Brushing and flossing twice a day will help prevent tooth decay and help keep breath fresher.
But what else can you do:
- Rinse your mouth with water after eating
- Chew sugarless gum after eating
Both of these activities will help pull the food debris off your teeth and help keep your teeth clean.
If you have consistently bad breath, please consult your dentist.
