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

Bacteria and other particles can build up in your mouth and cause halitosis, commonly referred to as bad breath. Bad breath can stem from poor dental health habits, poor diet, dry mouth, or certain illnesses and health conditions. Good oral health habits can go a long way toward preventing bad breath and keeping your smile healthy. Read on to learn more.

Brush your teeth twice daily

It’s essential that you brush for two minutes each time you brush to avoid plaque buildup and bacteria on your teeth. Don’t skimp on the brushing time! While you’re at it, don’t forget to floss as well.

Make sure you use a soft-bristled toothbrush and replace it every few months. The bristles can wear out and become less effective at cleaning. It’s also a good idea to use an electric toothbrush as it can reach parts of your smile that a non-electric can’t. Your dentist can also recommend a special fluoride toothpaste that may be able to whiten teeth while fighting off more bacteria.

Don’t forget to also clean your tongue! People often forget this easy step, but it can help to get rid of bad breath. Bacteria love to hide on the tongue, so it’s a great place to start when freshening up your breath. Just gently brush your tongue with your toothbrush or a tongue scraper, and gently rinse your mouth with water afterward.

Floss at least once a day

When you floss, you remove plaque from between all of your teeth. Plaque is made up of bacteria that can harm teeth and cause cavities and gum disease. By flossing daily, you can avoid these problems. Use waxed floss to help get underneath your gum line and remove food particles that may be stuck there.

Brush your tongue

Bacteria that cause bad breath can hide on the tongue. To get rid of bad breath, brush your tongue! It’s best to use a toothbrush or a tongue scraper to ensure you’re cleaning all the surfaces of your tongue. Use a toothbrush that is specially made for the tongue, as they’re softer than regular toothbrushes. Since bacteria thrive in the moist areas of your mouth, it’s important to dry off your tongue after brushing it. You can do this by gently scraping from the back of your tongue to the front to get debris and buildup away. Rinsing mouthwash can also help further kill bacteria and break down plaque and debris. 

Clean dentures or dental appliances

Cleaning your dentures daily is imperative to your oral health. Dentures can harbor bacteria which can produce a foul odor in your mouth if left uncleaned. You should clean your dentures with a denture cleaning kit and a toothbrush with a soft bristle brush.

Also, you should soak the dentures in a denture cleaning solution and then rinse them off before putting them back on.

Avoid dry mouth

Chronic dry mouth is one of the most common causes of bad breath. Saliva has antibacterial properties that prevent tooth decay and gum disease by reducing the amount of acid in the mouth. When there’s less saliva being produced, bad bacteria can grow inside your mouth, causing bad breath to occur. The proper remedy is to increase the production of saliva in your mouth. Drinking water throughout the day can stimulate saliva production, as can eating sugarless candies or using sugar-free gum. If you’re experiencing chronic dry mouth, consider talking to your dentist about possible treatments. A prescription mouthwash may be prescribed to help treat the condition and prevent further bad breath from occurring. Your dentist may also recommend a fluoride treatment or certain types of cleanings to treat the problem.

If you have any questions about how to get rid of bad breath, feel free to contact our office at (310)-838-0844 today to learn more and schedule a consultation. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have!