Ask Dr. Rahul Kode, Dr. JoAnne Curry, and Dr. Paul Lines: “How do I avoid bad breath?”

At Dental by Design, we see a lot of patients who are concerned about their bad breath, also known as halitosis. So today we thought we would educate our patients about what you can do to keep your pearly whites clean and your breath minty fresh!

Naturally, good oral hygiene on your part is the first step. With proper brushing (with a fluoride toothpaste) and flossing you can keep halitosis in check. Even though you may have done an excellent job of brushing and flossing your teeth if you fail to brush your tongue your breath will still remain non-friendly. Bad breath is caused by odor-producing bacteria that grow in your mouth. Certain foods, medications, smoking, sinus issues, or even gum disease can cause most bad breath cases.

Besides proper brushing and flossing, bad breath can be prevented if you:

• Stop smoking/chewing tobacco-based products: Ask Dr. Rahul Kode, Dr. JoAnne Curry, and Dr. Paul Lines and our team for tips on kicking the habit.

• Keep your mouth hydrated: Because a dry mouth typically leads to bad breath, eating oranges or celery, or drinking water, may help.

• Visit our Phoenix, AZ office for regular dental checkups: By visiting Dr. Rahul Kode, Dr. JoAnne Curry, and Dr. Paul Lines at least twice a year, you will keep bad breath at bay. Dr. Rahul Kode, Dr. JoAnne Curry, and Dr. Paul Lines will conduct an oral exam and professional teeth cleaning and will be able detect and treat periodontal disease, dry mouth, or other problems that may be the cause of bad mouth odor.