Blog

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be an embarrassing problem. It can cause anxiety and embarrassment. If you have bad breath, get rid of them by following these tips:

Brush your teeth twice daily

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day removes the harmful plaque from your mouth, preventing tooth decay and periodontal disease. You should brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush that fits your mouth properly will clean your teeth and gums better than a hard-bristled toothbrush. You should also replace your toothbrush every three to four months because frayed bristles won’t effectively remove plaque from your teeth and gums.

Floss at least once a day

Failing to floss regularly allows food particles and plaque to remain on teeth, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Flossing every day removes the hard-to-reach bacteria and buildup from in between teeth where brushing alone can’t reach. If you don’t floss on a regular basis, you risk getting cavities and other oral issues.

Brush your tongue

Your tongue can harbor a lot of bad bacteria that can damage your oral health. Bacteria and residue on your tongue can lead to bad breath and other oral problems. By regularly cleaning your tongue, you can eliminate these impurities and keep your mouth healthy and clean.

Clean dentures or dental appliances

If you wear removable bridges, partials, or full dentures, you still need to take good care of them. When not in use, soak them in a denture-cleaning solution to help keep them clean. Talk to a dentist if you need further advice on what steps to take with your oral health products.

Avoid dry mouth

Saliva helps wash away food and neutralize acids produced by plaque and bacteria in the mouth. A lack of saliva can result in a sticky film called plaque on teeth, which can contribute to tooth decay and cavities. When the mouth is dry, the soft tissues lining the mouth may become inflamed and irritated, causing bad breath.

A dry mouth can be caused by certain medications, salivary gland problems, tobacco use, dehydration, and breathing through the mouth instead of the nose. These tips can help you avoid dry mouth:

• Drink more water to stay hydrated.
• Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air.
• Chew sugar-free gum to stimulate the production of saliva.
• Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke.
• Limit how much alcohol you drink.

If dry mouth persists despite making these changes, speak with your dentist about rinses and sprays that moisturize the mouth. He or she can also recommend prescription medications to alleviate symptoms.

Adjust your diet

Eating a lot of onions and garlic can make your breath smell bad because the sulfur compounds in these foods can overpower your natural mouth odor. If you do like the taste of these foods, try eating them in moderation and rinsing your mouth with water afterward. Another bad breath culprit is coffee because it contains a high concentration of caffeine which dries out the mouth. Try to drink your coffee through a straw to avoid staining your teeth, and avoid drinking it after a meal. If you drink alcoholic beverages, try to drink them alongside water to help wash the alcohol from your mouth. With all food consumption, remember to brush your teeth after eating to remove any debris that may remain on your teeth.

Schedule regular dental checkups

Visiting your dentist every six months for a professional cleaning and oral exam allows your hygienist and dentist to monitor your oral health and diagnose any potential problems before they become serious complications. Regular dental visits also allow your dentist to perform oral cancer screenings to ensure early detection and successful treatment. Scheduling regular cleanings and exams is one of the simplest things you can do to prevent bad breath.

By following these simple tips and maintaining a good oral health routine, you can prevent bad breath from occurring altogether.