How to Keep Bad Breath from Becoming a Back-to-School Problem

When you head back to school, you want to make a good impression, and one quick way to make a bad impression is bad breath. However, you leave for school in the morning—whether you’re headed to elementary school or to a college campus—you may be six, eight, or even ten hours away from your toothbrush. How do you take care of your oral health during the school day and keep bad breath at bay? Your Kansas City family dentist is here to help with some tips for before school, after lunch, and throughout the day!

Before School. The best way to avoid bad breath is by starting your day with a good oral care routine, which includes brushing your teeth every morning. This is especially true if you wear braces, retainers, or Invisalign clear aligners. You’ll want to make sure you clean those before you leave the house! When you’re brushing your teeth in the morning, it’s also a good idea to clean your tongue. Bacteria can collect there and cause bad breath. You can also set yourself up for success throughout the day by packing a small dental “touch-up” kit in your backpack or purse, including toothpaste, a travel toothbrush, floss picks, and sugar-free gum.

After Lunch. Ideally, you would always brush your teeth after your midday meal, but that might be easier for some students than others. If you can’t brush, be sure to at least rinse your mouth out with water, which can help to clear away food particles and residue. You can also take advantage of your “touch-up” kit to floss, if the opportunity is there. If it won’t get you into trouble, chew sugar-free gum after lunch to help further clean your teeth.

Throughout the Day. Staying hydrated is important for a myriad of reasons, but bad breath is definitely one of them. Dry mouth is a major contributor to bad breath, so staying hydrated will help you keep your breath fresh and your health better. Go easy on soda, sports drinks, energy drinks, and sugary coffee beverages throughout the day. The sugar and acidity in these drinks can be hard on your teeth, while caffeine can lead to dehydration. If you do indulge in a sugary beverage, don’t sip on it all day. Drink it (preferably with a straw) and then rinse your mouth with water. If you’re going to reach for an afternoon snack, opt for crunchy, tooth-friendly fruits and vegetables over processed snack foods. There’s a reason we call many of these foods “nature’s toothbrush.”

When to Call Your Dentist. Persistent bad breath that doesn’t go away with good oral care habits and smart food choices may be a sign of bigger problems and is worth discussing with your Kansas City dentist. Don’t forget that other factors can contribute to bad breath, too, including using nicotine products or vaping, certain medications, and even stress. After all, starting back to school, with early mornings and new routines, can be stressful. Take good care of yourself, and if you have concerns, reach out to your family dentist.

Here at Blacker Family Dental, we’ve been helping people in Kansas City protect their smiles and put their best foot forward at work, school, and beyond for years. If you have a concern or just want to schedule your next checkup, call (816) 763-8400 or click here to schedule an appointment today!