Bad breath is a common problem, but preventing it is nonetheless important. It can affect personal relationships, affect self-esteem, and cause embarrassment. Here are some ways to fix bad breath.
Brush your teeth after you eat
After eating foods that contain strong odors, such as onions or garlic, be sure to brush your teeth. These foods often linger in the mouth after eating and can contribute to bad breath. While brushing right away helps to get rid of these odors, it is still important to floss. The lingering food particles can cause plaque to build up between the teeth causing tooth decay and gum disease.
Regular flossing can help to prevent harmful bacteria from building up in the corners of the mouth and also keep your breath smelling fresh and clean. If you are not able to brush your teeth immediately after a meal, chewing sugar-free gum can also help to neutralize the odors. It is also important to brush your teeth at least twice a day.
Floss at least once a day
You should floss your teeth every day to remove food particles and plaque from between teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach. However, if you have braces, you should floss more often to clean around brackets and wires. You can also ask your dentist about special flossing tools that can help you clean hard-to-reach areas around your braces.
Brush your tongue
Pay special attention to brushing your tongue, as it can help get rid of odor-causing bacteria. You can do this by using a toothbrush or a tongue scraper. Make sure to clean the back of your tongue as well. Some mouthwashes contain ingredients that can help reduce bad breath, such as chlorine dioxide and silver citrate. These ingredients may help cure bacterial overgrowth in your mouth that causes bad odors. However, you should check with your dentist before using any over-the-counter products to make sure they won’t interfere with your medications or cause other health problems.
Clean dentures or dental appliances
If you have a removable bridge, denture, retainer, or other dental appliance, make sure you clean these devices daily as you brush your teeth. By cleaning your dental appliance each day, you will prevent food from getting caught between your appliance and your gums, which will promote better oral health.
Avoid dry mouth
A dry mouth is a lack of saliva in the mouth. Saliva plays an important role in keeping you healthy by cleaning your mouth of food particles and plaque. If you suffer from dry mouth, it is important to treat this condition because saliva helps break down food and wash away bacteria. Also, when saliva is not present, food particles remain in your mouth after eating. These leftover food particles attract bacteria and cause foul odors from your mouth. For people with dry mouths, chewing sugarless gum is an effective method to increase the production of saliva. Another method is to drink more water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Other methods for treating dry mouth include chewing on sugar-free mints or hard candy, limiting caffeine and alcohol intake, using a humidifier at night while sleeping, and avoiding tobacco.
Adjust your diet
Certain foods can cause bad breath, like onions and garlic. These foods are also good for your body and shouldn’t always be avoided, but eat them in moderation. Drink plenty of water. Water can help keep your mouth clean by flushing away bad bacteria. If you eat sugary snacks, brush your teeth soon afterward to prevent tooth decay.
Regularly get a new toothbrush
Replacing your toothbrush regularly is essential – you should be replacing it every 2-3 months. Toothbrushes should be replaced when they start looking frayed and worn. Worn-down bristles will not effectively clean your mouth – leaving bits of food behind to rot and cause bad breath. Also, bacteria can build up in a worn-out brush, which can also cause bad breath or contribute to tooth decay.
Schedule regular dental checkups
Scheduling regular dental checkups every six months is a simple way to keep your teeth and gums healthy. During your professional cleanings, your dental hygienist will clean away plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth. Regular professional cleanings will also help prevent gingivitis, tooth decay, and periodontal (gum) disease. A thorough examination of your mouth will be performed at every checkup. This will allow your dentist to check for the early signs of oral cancer, gum disease, and other serious dental health conditions.
Good oral hygiene habits are essential for a healthy mouth and for preventing bad breath. Practicing good oral hygiene habits at home is essential in keeping your breath smelling fresh and clean. By maintaining a good oral hygiene routine, you can prevent bad breath from occurring and keep your smile looking healthy and bright!
At Coeur D’Alene Family Dentistry, we strive to provide each of our patients with a positive and relaxing experience. If you’re ready to experience the best dental care, please contact us at 2201 N Government Way G, Coeur D’Alene, ID 83814. For an appointment, call (208) 664 – 9129 or email us at [email protected].
