The Importance of Being Minty Fresh

It’s not just about the smell - although the people around you will appreciate the effort you’ve made on that front. Fresh breath is a signal of proper oral health and hygiene. In fact, it’s a natural side effect of regular oral care practices including brushing, flossing and rinsing with mouthwash.

Bad breath happens when bacteria and plaque build up, so making sure you’re thoroughly cleaning your mouth and scrubbing those nasties away is a surefire way to make sure your breath is as fresh as possible. The fresher your breath, the less likely you are to experience dental problems like gum disease, cavities and tooth decay.

Get Fresh By August 6th

1. Brush and Floss:
   
   The foundation of fresh breath lies in brushing your teeth at least twice a day, and using dental floss or a water-pick to remove plaque and food from between your teeth. If you’re not sure whether your brushing technique is up to scratch, pop into your dentist for advice on how to brush properly, and how to use floss to get all of that bad-breath bacteria out of your mouth.
   
   

2. Tongue Cleaning:
   
   Your tongue is a great place for bacteria to gather, and the more bacteria builds up there, the worse your breath is likely to be. Thoroughly clearing your tongue can help to eliminate the stink, so invest in a tongue scraper or get a toothbrush with a built-in tongue scraper that’ll do the trick.
   
   

3. Stay Hydrated:
   
   Drinking water throughout the day is a great way to keep your mouth moist and flush away any bacteria that might be hanging out around your teeth. If you have a dry mouth, you might find your breath smells worse, so keep a bottle of water with you throughout the day and keep sipping - your breath will smell fresher, and your body will appreciate the hydration.
   
   

4. Watch What You Eat:
   
   Certain foods are famously bad for your breath - onions, garlic and spicy food can all leave a lingering odour. But they’re delicious. So we’re not going to recommend you cut them out completely - just be mindful of when you’re eating them, and follow up with some oral care to minimise their impact on your breath. It’s fairly easy to scramble together a little dental health kit that you can keep in your desk drawer or bag, so you can nip to the bathroom for a quick brush and rinse if you’re feeling self conscious post-lunch.
   
   

5. Regular Check-Ups
   
   Find a dentist near you and build a routine of visiting them fairly regularly - you should be able to schedule them fairly easily by giving the dental surgery a call and finding a date and time that works for your schedule. Your dentist will be able to keep an eye on any issues that might lead to bad breath in the future, and give you advice on how to keep bacteria and plaque at bay. If you fancy it, a professional cleaning can be a great way to remove stubborn plaque and tartar buildup, leaving you with a healthier mouth and fresher breath.

National Fresh Breath Day is a reminder to prioritise our oral health and embrace the confidence you get from fresh breath. Celebrate with us this year by bringing a new practice into your daily routine, by gathering together a few tools to help you stay fresh on the go, and by using our search tool to find a dentist near you and pop in for an appointment.