How Do I Get Rid Of Bad Breath?

Bad breath, medically known as halitosis, can be caused by numerous health problems. However, most cases of bad breath are due to poor oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing help remove food particles, plaque, and bacteria. If you don’t brush and floss regularly, food particles can remain in your mouth, causing bad breath. In addition to regular brushing and flossing, there are other things you can do to get rid of bad breath.

Brush your teeth twice daily

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is essential when it comes to preventing bad breath. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to brush the insides of your teeth as well as your tongue, cheeks, the roof of your mouth, and gums. Make sure to brush your tongue - if you neglect to do this, you risk letting bacteria grow on your tongue. This can cause a foul odor in your mouth. Brushing your teeth will also remove plaque buildup. Plaque is a sticky film made of bacteria and food particles that clings to your teeth and gums. It turns into tartar if not removed through brushing and flossing. Tartar is too hard to be removed with at-home products; you will need to visit your dentist to have it professionally cleaned off.

Floss at least once a day

Although brushing twice a day is important to achieving good oral health, it’s not enough. Food particles and bacteria can collect between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach, leaving behind plaque that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. That’s why it’s important to floss once a day to clean between the teeth and under the gumline. It only takes a few minutes to make a big difference in your oral health. Regular flossing can also help prevent bad breath caused by bacteria and food particles that collect on the tongue.

Brush your tongue

Our tongue collects a lot of bacteria throughout the day, and it’s usually one of the last things people think about when they brush their teeth. For optimal dental health, however, it’s essential to clean our tongues. Make sure to gently clean the surface of it to remove the plaque and food buildup. Tongue scrapers can work wonders in removing these particles and keeping them from building up again.

Clean dentures or dental appliances

You should never sleep with your dentures in. Doing so can cause bacteria to grow on the denture surface and lead to irritation and infection. Remember to remove your dentures each night and clean them thoroughly before storing them in water or a dry container with a lid. Soaking your dentures with cleaning solutions is also recommended before you store them. You should always use a soft-bristled brush to clean your dentures daily. If your dentures have metal clasps, soak them in a glass of water with a denture-cleaning solution added. And always be sure to rinse your dentures well after you clean them with water.

Avoid dry mouth

A dry mouth occurs when your mouth does not produce enough saliva to keep itself moist and comfortable. A lack of saliva can cause a number of uncomfortable symptoms like bad breath, gum inflammation, and tooth decay.

Chronic dry mouth can also result in oral infections such as thrush. Therefore, if you suspect that you have a chronic dry mouth condition, it is important to schedule an evaluation with your dentist right away. Your dentist can diagnose your condition and recommend treatments to address it. Options include medication, dental procedures, or lifestyle changes.

A dry mouth can be caused by many factors, including dehydration, smoking, certain medications, and aging. It can also result from medical conditions that affect the mouth, such as Sjögren’s syndrome, diabetes, or issues with your salivary glands. In addition to causing discomfort, a dry mouth is also dangerous because it decreases your ability to taste foods and eat normally.

To prevent dry mouth, you should drink plenty of water throughout the day. You should also stop smoking and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke. If you are taking any medications, talk to your doctor or pharmacist to determine if they are contributing to your dry mouth. 

Schedule regular dental checkups

Regular dental checkups are important to maintain good oral health and diagnose and treat issues before they become severe. We recommend patients visit the dentist at least once every six months for a cleaning and exam. This checkup is vital to preventing cavities and gum disease from developing. During your cleaning at your dentist’s office, we will remove plaque buildup from areas you might not be able to reach with regular brushing at home. After the appointment, you can feel confident that your smile is clean and healthy. 

If you have concerns about dental health or wish to learn more tips to improve your oral health, visit Elan Dental or call us at (919) 556-6761 and schedule an appointment.