Pucker Up With Fresh Breath This Valentine’s Day! [BLOG]

You’re running out of time to take care of that pesky problem you’ve been having lately with your breath!

The most important date night of the year is just days away, and you need fresh breath before you pucker up to kiss your sweetheart!

Our team at Hawkins Complete Dental Service wants to make sure your breath is clean and kissable for your Valentine, so we’re offering some tips on how you can freshen your breath at home, and we’re also letting you know to count on our Zanesville, OH team for breath solutions of our own when all your efforts fall short!

Stinky Breath For Your Sweetheart?

Nothing will spoil a romantic date with your sweetheart faster than stinky breath!

So it’s important to understand what’s causing it and then take the right steps to eradicate it.

Here are some common causes of halitosis, or bad breath, you should be aware of:

*Gum Disease*

Persistent bad breath that doesn’t seem to be helped by brushing, flossing, mouthwash, or breath mints is a common symptom of advancing gum disease. This is a serious infection that needs to be treated as early as possible to not only keep your breath minty fresh, but to protect your oral and overall health!

*Poor Oral Hygiene*

No secret here! Failing to brush and floss as you should is a fast track to Stinky Breath City!

Even small food particles hiding inside your mouth are enough to fill it with a foul odor as the food breaks down, so it’s important to get rid of it with daily brushing and flossing.

*Dry Mouth*

Not getting enough water each day will leave you with a dry, sticky mouth. This can lead to bad breath because your mouth doesn’t have enough saliva to fight bacteria or wash away food particles and debris that make your breath stink.

*Food & Other Outside Factors*

What’s going on inside your mouth is only part of what makes your breath fresh or foul.

It’s what you’re bringing in from the outside that’s just as significant.

Pungent foods like onions, garlic, tuna fish, certain spicy meats and cheeses can all linger long after you’ve eaten them. Coffee and alcohol can have the same effect, as well as the more obvious lifestyle habits like smoking and other tobacco use.

How You Can Freshen Your Breath Fast!

You can follow these helpful tips on how to freshen your breath fast, but keep in mind that sometimes, a bad odor in your mouth is a sign of a larger dental problem. If you’re not able to mask the smell of bad breath, then be sure to visit Dr. Hawkins right away so we can get to the bottom of it and help you find solutions!

*Keep Your Mouth Clean*

Brush and floss your teeth thoroughly each and every day! This will remove tiny food particles from between your teeth so they don’t fester and give off a foul odor.

While you’re at it, be sure to brush your tongue, as well, to eliminate smelly bacteria.

*Use Minty Mouthwash*

Choose a quality mouthwash that’s not only minty fresh, but one that also contains fluoride so your teeth get an added measure of strength and protection against harmful, odorous bacteria.

You can also consult with Dr. Hawkins about his recommendations for breath-freshening mouthwash.

*Avoid Smelly Foods*

You don’t want to go to the trouble of keeping your breath fresh and clean only to sabotage your efforts by eating smelly foods!

In the days leading up to your romantic evening, stay away from bold flavors that linger in your mouth like onions, fish, garlic, pungent cheeses, and spicy meats. The smell these types of foods emit will only make it harder to keep your breath kissably fresh!

*Stock Up On Sugarless Gum & Mints*

Breath spray, chewing gum, and mints are not created equal.

If they contain sugar, they may only make your breath smell good for a few minutes. It won’t take long for the bacteria in your mouth to go to town on the sugary residue left behind.

So choose sugarless options!

Freshen Your Breath Now!

You don’t want to have stinky breath for your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day!

So get to our Zanesville, OH dental office now for effective solutions that will freshen your breath so you can pucker up on date night!

Call Hawkins Complete Dental Service today at 740-214-1301 or fill out our convenient online form to schedule an appointment.