Helpful Tips To Get Rid Of Bad Breath

If you are someone who struggle with bad breath, here are a few tips and tricks to eliminate it.

Brushing Your Teeth

It is important to brush your teeth at least twice every day to avoid plaque buildup and cavities. This is the best way to remove food particles from your mouth as well as prevent bad breath. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with an American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval. Gently brush the front and back of your teeth, as well as the chewing surfaces of your teeth, for two minutes each time. Don’t forget to also brush your tongue when you brush your teeth to get rid of bad bacteria that cause bad breath. Replace your toothbrush every three months or when the bristles begin to fray. After brushing, rinse your mouth out with water or mouthwash. Use toothpaste that has fluoride in it to strengthen tooth enamel and fight tooth decay. 

Floss your teeth

You should also floss at least once a day to remove plaque and food from areas between teeth and under the gumline that your toothbrush cannot reach. This will help to prevent gum disease and keep your teeth in tip-top shape! When flossing, be sure to gently maneuver the floss in between the teeth using a back-and-forth motion. 

Brushing your tongue

Your tongue is a breeding ground for bacteria and food particles that get trapped between the papillae. Brushing your tongue helps to remove germs, and along with proper brushing of your teeth, it will help to reduce bad breath. Invest in a soft-bristled toothbrush or a tongue scraper that is specially designed for cleaning the tongue. Once your brush, rinse with mouthwash to kill any lingering bacteria.

Cleaning dentures or dental appliances

If you wear removable dental appliances such as partials, full dentures, or retainers, you should clean them daily to remove food debris and plaque. When cleaning your appliance, be sure to brush with products specifically designed for your type of appliance to avoid damaging it. When you aren’t wearing your appliance, store it in a denture bath with water or some denture cleaner to keep it moist and prevent it from drying out.

Avoiding dry mouth

A dry mouth, which is also known as xerostomia, is a condition that occurs when there is not enough saliva in the mouth to lubricate the mouth’s soft tissues. It is a common condition that affects people of all ages, but it is most common in older adults and patients who use certain medications on a regular basis, including antidepressants, antihistamines, muscle relaxants, high blood pressure medication, painkillers, and some chemotherapy drugs.

While dry mouth can be uncomfortable and even painful at times, it can also lead to serious oral health problems if it is not treated correctly. Tooth decay, gum disease, oral infections, and other oral conditions can all develop as a result of dry mouth because saliva is needed to wash food particles from the teeth and gums.

To avoid or treat dry mouth, drink plenty of water throughout the day, chew sugar-free gum, rinse with an alcohol-free mouthwash, avoid smoking tobacco products, and avoid alcohol and caffeine. If you suffer from dry mouth, you should also be sure to tell your dentist during your regular checkup so they can work with you to manage your signs and symptoms.

Adjusting your diet

Most bad breath cases are related to some sort of food that you consume daily. There are some foods that cause more problems than others, such as onions, garlic, and coffee. You should cut back on these foods and drink more water instead. The bacteria in your mouth will feed on the sugar and starch in these foods and will be what causes bad odors when you exhale. You can get rid of these foods from your diet without any problem if you pay attention to the effects they have on your breath. If you notice your bad breath worsens after consuming certain foods, you should limit your consumption to only have it a few times a month rather than every day. Many foods have health benefits to them as well, so you will want to continue eating them but in moderation.

Scheduling regular dental checkups

Regular dental checkups are the best way to prevent bad breath and maintain your oral hygiene. During each of your visits, our dentist will check for any signs of bad overall health related to your mouth. We will treat conditions like gum disease before they cause you serious discomfort and pain. We will also perform a thorough dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup. 

Call our office today to schedule an appointment for your dental checkup and cleaning. We look forward to serving you for many years to come!