Do you floss? Flossing every day will help remove bacteria trapped in your teeth that leads to bad breath. If you do not already floss each day, try adding this to your dental hygiene routine to see if this can help.

Bad breath, also called halitosis, is a fairly common issue. Although it is common, it is still an important thing to be aware of. Bad breath can be more than an embarrassing social issue, it may be a sign of a more serious health issue.

Why Saliva is Important

When your mouth has less saliva, it is more susceptible to the buildup of plaque. This plaque buildup will lead to an unpleasant smell.

By avoiding certain things that reduce saliva flow, you can help protect your mouth from bad breath. Some things that can cause low saliva flow include:

Alcohol – Alcoholic beverages can cause bad breath. It is important to floss and brush your teeth if you had alcohol.

Hunger or thirst – Since there is not much saliva in your mouth when you are dehydrated, the chances of plaque buildup increases. It is important to stay hydrated throughout the day. You should also be sure you are following a proper diet. Not only do some foods help your teeth, the act of chewing increases saliva in your mouth.

Early morning – Mornings may be the best time for your daily dental flossing. While you sleep, saliva flow decreases, so you want to make sure you are removing any buildup.

Do you suffer from bad breath?

If you have bad breath, even after proper dental hygiene, schedule an appointment with Dr. Faist in Beachwood, OH.