Foods that Can Help Sweeten Your Breath

Those raw onions may have been delicious piled high on that burger you had for lunch, but they certainly won’t do any favors for your breath. Most people have no idea that certain foods can mask what you eat, just keep in mind that garlic and onions are the most common instigators when it comes to halitosis or bad breath because they can stay in your system. Your dentist explains that garlic and onions contain oils that are carried from your bloodstream into your lungs giving everyone a sample of what you ate every time you exhale.

However, all is not lost as there are some foods you can eat that will give you an hour or two of relief until you are able to attack the bacteria in your mouth that is producing those foul odors.

According to your dentist, parsley is one of the best ways to treat bad breath and could be the reason that restaurants include a sprig of the herb on your plate. Cinnamon, spearmint, and peppermint are also good for halitosis thanks to the oils. Other herbs that work for bad breath include rosemary, eucalyptus, cardamom, cilantro, and coriander.

Skip the coffee and opt for a cup of green tea as it contains powerful antioxidants including catechin that can help ward off odor causing bacteria.

Recent studies show that the live active cultures contained in yogurt could help with that lingering odor from the garlic prawns that you had for lunch. Yogurt contains good bacteria that can overpower the foul smell caused by bad bacteria.

Pears and apples help saliva production. Saliva is essential when it comes to helping rebalance the ecology in your mouth. Other fruits that can help keep your bacteria in check include berries, melons, and oranges. Fruits that are loaded with Vitamin C not only help rid your mouth of bad bacteria, but can also fight against gum disease.

Carrots, cucumbers, and saliva encourage saliva production helping rid your mouth of odor causing bacteria.

Nuts and other almonds work like vegetables and fruit. According to your dentist, these tiny little toothbrushes help remove bacteria.

Other ways to prevent bad breath include drinking water and chewing sugarless gum. Water rinses your mouth while the gum promotes saliva production.

Of course, food is only a temporary fix. If you are constantly dealing with bad breath, it could have something to do with your oral health. Remember to brush twice and floss once each day, brush your tongue and use a fluoride mouthwash that is recommended by the American Dental Association, and don’t forget regularly scheduled checkups with your dentist.

A Healthier Smile in 2015

Another year has passed and if you are planning to live a healthier lifestyle, better oral health should be on your New Year’s resolution list. Healthy teeth and gums are essential, as your mouth truly is the gateway to the rest of your body.

Web MD explains that poor oral hygiene can cause all kinds of issues with your body. Recent research has linked gum disease with heart problems, diabetes, and even autoimmune disease. In fact, some scientists believe that Alzheimer’s could be related to poor oral health. Brushing, flossing, regular trips to your dentist and a healthy diet are all part of a good oral hygiene routine. 

Of course, if you have been given a clean bill of health from your dentist, but are still unhappy with your smile, ask your dentist about cosmetic dentistry.

Dental veneers, dental implants, tooth colored fillings, bridges, crowns and tooth bleaching are just some of the procedures that your dentist may recommend if you have chips or cracks, or simply want to improve your smile and fill in that gap between your front teeth. Cosmetic dentistry can even lengthen or shorten your teeth. If your teeth are crooked or stained your dentist can help with cosmetic procedures that will make you grin from ear to ear. You can even have your teeth straightened without having to resort to uncomfortable metal brackets and wires with Invisalign. 

Bonding is the affordable alternative to porcelain veneers and can fix stained teeth that cannot be helped with ordinary tooth bleaching. Dental bonding can also fix chips and cracks and can be used to fill gaps and replace silver amalgam fillings. Dental bonding is especially useful for fillings in and behind your front teeth.

If your dentist has determined that you are a good candidate for bonding, the simple and cost effective procedure can be done in as little as one dental appointment. Using a special tooth-colored composite material that is applied and shaped before being cured, smoothed and polished; dental bonding can even be used to protect exposed roots that are sensitive.

This year do something for your mind, body, and spirit and schedule an appointment with your dentist for cosmetic dentistry. A healthy smile really can improve your entire outlook on life. Call now.