Valentine’s Day often creates opportunities for closeness. Whether it is heading out on a date or spending time at home with your spouse, the holiday is all about celebrating couples.

If you have bad breath or halitosis, those intimate moments may not be as enjoyable. No one wants someone to pull away when they talk or move in for a kiss. Luckily, there are things you can do to keep your breath fresh. Here’s what you need to know.

Practice Good Dental Hygiene

Poor dental hygiene is a leading cause of bad breath. If you don’t brush and floss regularly, trapped food particles start to decay in your mouth, producing an unpleasant odor. Additionally, as plaque builds up on your teeth, the bacteria can lead to irritation and even an infection. Periodontal disease can increase the presence of halitosis.

If you want to avoid bad breath, make sure to brush twice a day and floss once a day. When you brush, make sure to scrub your tongue and all of your tooth surfaces. Additionally, see your Edinburg dentist regularly, ensuring you get your professional cleanings and any treatments you need to keep your mouth healthy and odor-free.

Avoid Bad Breath Foods

Certain foods promote bad breath even if you have an amazing oral health care routine. Foods like garlic and onions actually have compounds that get into your bloodstream and, when these compounds make their way to your lungs, they affect the smell of your breath.

If you want to keep your breath fresh on Valentine’s Day, avoiding these foods can help.

Fight Dry Mouth

Many people suffer from dry mouth. Since saliva helps wash away food particles that can cause bad breath, having a dry mouth can make halitosis harder to avoid.

Dry mouth can be caused by a variety of things, including basic dehydration, medications, and even certain health conditions. To help fight the effects, make sure to drink plenty of water and consider a mouthwash designed for dry mouth sufferers, as they can make a difference.

Quit Tobacco

Both smoked and smokeless varieties of tobacco can contribute to bad breath. Not only do they impact the smell coming from your mouth, but they can also affect the scent of the air leaving your lungs.

By and large, the best way to combat this source of bad breath is to quit using tobacco. Anything else doesn’t remove the core source of the odor, so the solutions are temporary at best.

Visit Your Dentist

If you have bad breath and can’t identify the source, or simply haven’t visited your Edinburg dentist in the last six months, now is the perfect time to make an appointment. They can give you a thorough checkup and help you find a lasting solution, ensuring that your breath is always at its freshest.