Bad breath is a common, yet unpleasant annoyance that everyone has experienced at least once. There are numerous factors that can cause bad breath, such as smoking and the types of food you eat (as anyone who’s eaten garlic fries knows!) Some diseases can also cause bad breath, such as diabetes, sinus infections and even some cancers.

From the dentist’s perspective, brushing twice a day and flossing daily is one of the best ways to avoid an embarrassing situation stemming from bad breath. In addition to frequency, the duration of each brushing period is important. Each brushing session should last between two to three minutes to best remove the plaque buildup and bacteria trapped on and around your teeth. To help hit the minimum two-minute mark, some find it beneficial to divide the mouth into four sections and allocate 30 seconds for each – top left, top right, bottom left and bottom right.

Brushing softly is also important. Brushing too hard and vigorously may actually damage the enamel and gums around your teeth, leading to sensitivity and a higher risk of cavities. Manual toothbrushes should be held at a 45-degree angle and strokes should always be circular, not vertical or horizontally dragged across the teeth. Using an electric toothbrush (for example, Sonicare or Oral B) is ideal; they remove more plaque and bacteria than manual brushing.

No matter the type of toothbrush you use, it won’t be able to clean all surfaces of your teeth; this is where flossing comes in. Flossing cleans the surfaces between your teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach. Flossing is crucial to your oral hygiene. If you don’t clean your teeth regularly, particles of the food you’ve eaten will remain, creating a friendly environment for bacteria to grow on your tongue, gums and in between your teeth, contributing to bad breath.

To battle bad breath after eating garlic, onions, peppers and spicy food, try drinking lots of water to stimulate saliva production and help rinse away lingering bacteria or food that’s causing the smell. Having sugar-free gum or mints on hand is always a good way to again increase saliva production and cancel out unwanted odors. The good news? You can fix most bad breath issues simply by improving your personal dental hygiene. And remember that seeing your dentist at least twice a year for a professional cleaning is a very important part of your oral hygiene and health.

Jillian M. Barras DDS is the owner and dentist of Port City Family and Cosmetic Dentistry. After serving in the Navy, Dr. Barras opened Port City Family and Cosmetic Dentistry with the goal of providing exceptional dental care in a warm, caring environment. Helping you achieve optimal oral health is our passion. To learn more about Dr. Barras and Port City Family and Cosmetic Dentistry visit www.yourwilmingtondentist.com or 910-251-8174.