How Do I Get Rid Of Bad Breath? Helpful Tips!

Bad breath, or halitosis, can result from poor oral hygiene, gum disease, dry mouth, or certain foods. Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing regularly, and visiting your dentist regularly can help keep your breath fresh.

Brush your teeth twice daily

Plaque buildup and bacteria can cause bad breath. By brushing your teeth twice a day, you can remove plaque before it turns into tartar and causes long-term problems. The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth for two minutes each time. Be sure to brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and the chewing surface of your teeth. Don’t forget to brush your tongue as well. It removes bacteria and freshens your breath!

Floss at least once a day

One of the most important things you can do to maintain your oral health and hygiene is to floss at least once a day. Most people tend to forget that flossing is equally important as brushing your teeth. Flossing removes plaque from between the teeth and under the gum line, which your brush bristles can’t reach. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth. If not removed regularly, it hardens and turns into tartar. This leads to gum disease and tooth decay, and it can also cause bad breath.

Brush your tongue

You should brush your tongue every time you brush your teeth. The American Dental Association recommends brushing your tongue with a tongue scraper to remove bacteria, food debris, and dead cells. It is important to wipe your whole tongue because plaque can also build up on the back of it. Cleaning your tongue will help freshen your breath and remove odor-causing bacteria. It will also remove dead cells that can contribute to bad breath. Over time, this will reduce the amount of plaque on your teeth as well.

Once you’ve brushed your tongue, remember to rinse your mouth well to ensure there is no lingering bacterial film left behind. You may want to consider using mouthwash to help eliminate any remaining bacteria after cleaning your tongue.

Clean dentures or dental appliances

Cleaning your dentures and oral appliances should be a part of your daily oral hygiene routine. The mouth is teeming with bacteria that feed on the food particles left behind and in turn, produce volatile sulfur compounds that lead to bad breath. These bacteria also cause plaque buildup on removable dental appliances such as dentures. Plaque buildup makes your dentures lose their fit and feel unclean to the wearer, which in turn can cause embarrassment and poor self-esteem. 

Avoid dry mouth

Saliva helps wash away food particles and keep your mouth moist. If you’ve noticed that you are more thirsty than usual and your mouth is dry, you may be suffering from a dry mouth. There are several causes for this condition, including certain medications, smoking, stress, or salivary gland issues. This can be caused by reduced saliva production that happens when glands are not working properly, known as xerostomia. A dry mouth can cause bad breath because less saliva means less scrubbing of bacteria from the mouth. If you feel like you have a dry mouth, talk to your dentist about treatment options. Keeping your body hydrated by drinking lots of water can also help regulate the production of saliva in your mouth. 

Schedule regular dental checkups

Most people know that it’s important to visit the dentist regularly for routine cleanings and oral exams. However, not everyone knows why these visits are so important. Visiting your dentist regularly can do more than keep your smile healthy—it can keep you healthier overall.

To learn more, contact Ygnacio Dental at 1766 Lacassie Ave # 101, Walnut Creek, CA 94596, or call (925) 280-2848 to schedule your consultation today!