If you really want to make a great first impression, you probably pay special attention to your clothes and the appearance of your face. However, you should also consider the state of your mouth. Here are a few things you can do to ensure that your mouth leaves a positive impression on the people that you meet:

Treat the bacteria on your tongue.

Even if you are brushing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes at a time, you may not be getting rid of the bacteria on your tongue, and these tend to be the smelliest. Anaerobic bacteria that lie on the surface of the tongue release volatile sulfur compounds that have the characteristic rotten-egg smell of morning breath. The tongue does not have a smooth surface. Thus, the bacteria may be trapped in folds and crevices.

A tongue scraper is designed to remove the bacteria from the tongue, resulting in fresher breath. You simply rake the device across the surface of your tongue after brushing. A toothbrush can also be used to remove some of the bacteria. However, the brush is not as effective as the tongue scraper at eliminating the bacteria on the tongue. 

Another option is the use of antibacterial mouthwash. These rinses are formulated with antibacterial agents, such as chlorhexidine or alcohol. It is best to avoid those that contain alcohol, however, because the alcohol can dry out the tissues of the mouth. If you would like to use a natural antibacterial rinse, you can mix equal amounts of water and hydrogen peroxide for a homemade germ-zapping solution. Since the peroxide releases oxygen, it is particularly effective against anaerobic microbes.

Keep your teeth white.

Yellow teeth can make your smile look less attractive. To ensure your teeth remain their whitest, avoid heavily pigmented drinks, such as coffee, tea, or red wine. In addition, you can remove light stains by using a whitening toothpaste or brushing weekly with baking soda. Still, if your dental staining is significant, you may need a stronger whitening solution, such as one offered by your dentist.

A professional whitening treatment is usually peroxide-based and can lighten your teeth several shades during a single visit. If you would like to achieve the whitest shade possible for your teeth, you may decide to have multiple treatments.

To learn more ways to keep your mouth clean and inviting, schedule an appointment with a dentist in your area such as those found at Stones River Dental.