Do you floss your teeth daily? Not only does it remove food stuck in between teeth, preventing buildup of plaque and decay, flossing will also keep breath fresh. Bad breath may be simply an embarrassment or could be a sign of a larger issue.

Loss of saliva is one of the major reasons bad breath occurs. The following reduce the amount of saliva in your mouth, causing bad breath:

• Dehydration/hunger: When you are dehydrated, you have less saliva in your mouth, making you susceptible to bad breath and added bacteria. Chewing food also decreases saliva, so don't skip meals or diet - it may make your breath stink! Floss at least twice a day, especially after meals, to remove buildup.
• Alcohol: Drinks containing alcohol dry out your mouth. Drink some water and floss after a night out so you will wake up with fresh breath!
• Early mornings: Saliva production is reduced when you sleep at night, so you may find yourself waking up with bad breath. If this is a frequent occurrence for you, flossing first thing in the morning may be good for you.

Having a dry mouth is not the only reason bad breath occurs. The following may also be a cause:

• Cavities or gum disease
• Infected root canal
• Throat issues
• Trapped food particles
• Throat or oral cancer

Research has shown a link between lack of flossing and bad breath. Try flossing to freshen up! If you find that your bad breath persists, visit your dentist right away. Courtesy of Oral-B

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