Here at Washington Square Dental, we understand how important fresh breath is for maintaining your health and feeling your best around loved ones, colleagues, and friends.
If you’ve been searching for a “dentist near me” to support your oral health and maybe get some bad breath treatment, you’ve come to the right place! These five dentist-approved tips will help you spring into a season of fresh, clean, and healthy breath.
1. Brush and Floss Daily: The Right Way
Proper oral hygiene is the bedrock of fresh breath. While this may seem basic, ensuring you brush and floss effectively makes a big difference. The bacteria in your mouth feed on food particles, releasing odors that can cause bad breath. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day eliminates these particles, while flossing removes debris your toothbrush simply can’t reach.
For the best results, brush your teeth for at least two minutes, use fluoride toothpaste, and clean along the gum line. Remember to replace your toothbrush every three months or sooner if the bristles start to fray.
Fresh Take from a Dentist Near Me
If flossing feels like a chore, consider alternatives like floss picks or water flossers. These tools simplify the process and ensure you can access those hard-to-reach areas.
2. Don’t Forget About Your Tongue
Your tongue often holds onto bacteria and food debris that contribute to unpleasant odors. Brushing or scraping your tongue daily is a simple and effective way to combat bad breath. If you’ve noticed a white or yellow coating on your tongue, it’s a clear sign to give it extra attention during your oral care routine.
You can use your toothbrush’s bristles or a designated tongue scraper to gently clean your tongue from back to front. This small addition to your oral hygiene habits can make a significant impact.
3. Stay Hydrated
Did you know that dry mouth is a common cause of bad breath? Saliva plays a crucial role in washing away food particles and neutralizing odor-causing bacteria. However, bacteria can thrive when your mouth is dry, leading to that stale feeling and unpleasant breath. Eventually, you could even suffer decay that requires dental fillings.
Staying properly hydrated throughout the day supports your overall health and keeps your mouth moist, making it harder for bacteria to flourish. Drinking plenty of water is key, and for added freshness, consider swishing water around your mouth after meals to help rinse away debris.
Cool Tip from a Dentist Near Me
If dry mouth persists, talk to the team at Washington Square Dental about solutions that could help, such as chewing sugar-free gum or using a specialized rinse.
4. Watch What You Eat
Your diet plays a significant role in determining your breath. Foods like onions and garlic are well-known contributors to strong odors, but processed sugars and carbohydrates can also fuel bacterial growth in your mouth. Spring is the perfect season to incorporate fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs into your diet, which can naturally support oral health and reduce bad breath.
Crisp fruits like apples, as well as hydrating vegetables like cucumbers and leafy greens, can help clean your teeth while you eat. Chewing on fresh parsley or mint can also provide a natural breath-freshening boost.
5. Schedule a Professional Dental Cleaning
No matter how diligent your home oral care routine is, visiting a dentist near you regularly for a professional cleaning is essential. Over time, plaque and tartar build up on your teeth, and this buildup can harbor bacteria that lead to bad breath. A professional cleaning does more than just freshen your breath—it also protects your teeth and gums from serious complications like cavities or gum disease.
At Washington Square Dental, we provide gentle, thorough cleanings to help ensure your mouth stays healthy and your breath stays fresh all season.
Tip from a Dentist Near Me
If it has been six months or more since your last dental appointment, now is the time to search for a “dentist near me” and schedule a visit.
Fresh Breath, Fresh Start in Tigard, OR
Spring is the season of growth and renewal—why not extend that spirit to your oral health? With these five tips, you can enjoy the confidence and comfort of fresh breath daily. The team at Washington Square Dental is always here to support your needs, whether you’re looking for routine care, tailored solutions for bad breath, or a trusted “dentist near me” in your community.
Book your next appointment today for a breath boost. Together, we’ll keep your smile healthy, radiant, and fresh all spring and beyond!
