Have you ever wondered if some movie stars have a reputation for being “the one with the bad breath” or “the one with the bad teeth”? No one really wants to kiss either candidate.
Think about where you would fit on that spectrum if you were on set. Would you be downing the onion bagel from the food cart, not worrying about a thing because you know how to kill bad breath? Or would you be popping breath mints at every opportunity because no matter what you do, the odor just doesn’t go away?
Here’s the deal – even movie stars get bad breath, also known as halitosis. It affects everyone from time to time, particularly if you’re not eating well or you’re neglecting to brush and floss daily.
Work from the inside out to ward off bad breath and get your body in balance with these tips:
- Drink plenty of water. Fruit juices and sodas are tasty, but they do nothing to cleanse your mouth and teeth. Water keeps you hydrated and healthy, keeps your mouth moist, and rinses away bacteria and food particles.
- Eat parsley. That sprig of green alongside your garlic mashed potatoes isn’t just for decoration. Parsley is a natural “deodorizer” that is rich in chlorophyll, which inhibits the spread of bacteria.
- Crunch into an apple. An apple a day is still a phrase to live by – this fruit cleans off the teeth, naturally destroys bacteria in the mouth, and keeps your digestive system in tip-top shape.
- Buddy up to bread. That low-carb diet may be great for your waistline, but it’s not helping your breath. As your body burns fat, chemicals known as ketones are released, and they are stinky. Keep a few whole grains on your daily menu to keep the bad breath at bay.
Remember, none of these methods are meant to substitute for proper brushing and flossing sessions and preventive dental care. And if you’re doing all of the above and more and there doesn’t seem to be anything that’s capable of doing war with your bad breath, it’s a sign that decay, gum disease, or a more serious health problem is the culprit.
If you want a movie-star kind of smile, then you need a stellar foundation to start. Schedule your regular check-up with our Center City dental office – preventive dental care is the key to a healthy, beautiful smile.