Finding ways to keep your mouth fresh all day long may sound like a lot of work. Here are some quick easy ways to keep your mouth as fresh as a spring breeze as the weather starts to warm up in Northern Virginia. While dental services are a great way to check in on your teeth and make sure they’re healthy, there’s a lot you can do now to take better care of your breath and feel refreshed.
Drink & Eat Fresh
Fresh breath, many times, comes back to good oral care, which is linked to the way you eat. Dentists around the world know that the famous phrase, “You are what you eat” rings true when it comes to your oral health. Avoiding pre-packaged and sugary foods and drinks will set your teeth up for success. Spring is a great time to dig into seasonal fresh fruit and vegetables such as apricots, asparagus, avocados, lettuce, and other greens.
While eating well and avoiding sugar-filled packaged foods and sodas will help your teeth this will not guarantee a clean feeling, as even fresh foods contain acids and can get stuck in your teeth. Stuck particles can breed bad smelling bacteria. Reduce the time food sticks in your teeth by drinking lots of….
…Water
Drinking water to stay hydrated is often an overlooked aspect of fresh breath. If you are dehydrated your body does not produce as much saliva. Not enough saliva can lead to growth of bacteria that leads to bad breath. Certain medications may dry the mouth out leading to more tooth decay, so check with your doctor if this may be you and ways to stay hydrated.
Wait to Brush After Eating
According to the Mayo Clinic, brushing your teeth right after eating can damage your tooth enamel since certain foods, especially fruits, contain citric acid that weaken your enamel. Wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth after eating anything acidic. In the meantime, drink some water or chew on….
….Parsley or Mint
Chewing on parsley or mint after you eat, especially garlic or onions, can tone down the smell of whatever you just ate. Just be sure to check your teeth for green specks before going to your next meeting. These herbs don’t just cover up your breath but go through the bloodstream and secrete odor straight from the lungs.
Soak up That Vitamin D
You may have heard calcium keeps your bones and teeth strong, but Vitamin D is what tells your body to absorb calcium. Get outdoors this spring! Start a garden, go for a walk, have a picnic. Of course, be sun safe and follow the CDC’s Sun Safety suggestions. While the sun is one source of Vitamin D, there are many foods that contain this vital vitamin including Salmon, Tuna, and other seafood, eggs, mushrooms, and milk. Talk with your doctor to get your Vitamin-D levels checked and if you need to supplement.
If you or the people close to you notice your breath has a foul odor despite your best efforts you should get it checked by professional dental services as soon as possible. Foul smelling breath can be the first sign of diseases in the mouth or body.
All of these are suggestions on top of the routine visit to your dentist and “brush and floss” everyday rule! If you have braces or Invisalign, brushing and flossing after every meal is important to keep your teeth white and clean. Scheduling regular dental checkups will help you know if there is more you can do to maintain the health of your teeth and remove excess plaque that builds up over time.
Northern VA Dental Services
Routine care is the best way to keep your mouth feeling refreshed this Spring. CNS Dental believes dental services should treat the patient like family and is firmly dedicated to providing optimal dental services in a relaxed environment. We are located in Arlington, VA in the heart of Crystal City, Northern VA with convenient hours.
Contact Us today for your Spring Teeth Cleaning or Call (703) 304-3881