How Do I Get Rid Of Bad Breath? Tips And Tricks

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be embarrassing to many people. It can be the result of poor oral hygiene. It can also be caused by certain foods, poor dental hygiene, dry mouth, or an underlying medical problem. If you are someone with bad breath, here are a few tips to eliminate them. 

Brush your teeth twice daily

Brushing your teeth helps remove food particles and plaque from your mouth. Brushing also helps to prevent periodontal disease by removing bacteria that can cause infection of the gums. In addition, brushing helps to keep teeth white and healthy-looking. Studies show that people who brush their teeth twice a day are 50% less likely to have bad breath than those who don't. For best results, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time. And don't forget about your tongue! The tongue is a breeding ground for odor-causing bacteria, and food particles are easily trapped there, where they decompose and release foul-smelling gases. Make sure to gently brush the surface of your tongue every time you brush your teeth to help keep your breath fresh and clean.

Floss at least once a day

Use disposable floss picks if you're on the go and prefer to stick to your dental health routine when you're away from home. Just remember that it's not a substitute for brushing. Make sure to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes at a time.

Remember to floss before going to bed. Sleeping allows bacteria to grow in your mouth, so flossing eliminate food particles and plaque that your toothbrush might miss. 

Brush your tongue

Did you know that brushing your tongue is as important as brushing your teeth? The tongue is highly vascularized and full of bacteria that can cause bad breath and gum disease. If plaque builds up on your tongue, it can cause inflammation of the gums and result in gingivitis. Make sure you brush both the front and back of your tongue every time you brush your teeth.

If you can't reach the back of your tongue with a toothbrush, try using an ADA-approved dental scraper. You can also buy toothpaste that is specially formulated for the tongue which will have ingredients that will reduce odor and bacteria.

Clean dentures or dental appliances

If your dentures are not cleaned regularly, they can become breeding grounds for harmful bacteria. Make sure to clean them daily to remove bacteria that can cause bad breath and gum diseases. Use a denture-cleaning solution that is formulated to kill germs. Dentures that are worn overnight should be soaked in a solution for at least four hours. A soft-bristled toothbrush can also be used to gently brush off any plaque buildup before soaking the appliance.

Avoid dry mouth

If you are feeling tired all the time and your mouth is always dry, you may be suffering from chronic bad breath. A dry mouth can be a symptom of many conditions, including diabetes and smoking. There are a few things you can do to avoid developing this disease. First, drink more water throughout the day. Not drinking enough water can cause a dry mouth as the salivary glands do not produce enough saliva to wash away food particles that cause bad odor. Also, avoid taking too many medications without talking to your doctor first. Some medications, such as antidepressants, cause dry mouth, and others can reduce saliva production. Finally, stop smoking. Smoking can cause dry mouth because smoking reduces the amount of saliva in your mouth and also affects the mucus membranes in your nose and throat. When these membranes dry out, it will cause more bacteria to build up in the oral cavity causing oral disease, bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease. Talk to your doctor today about ways to avoid dry mouth so you can maintain good oral health and fight bad breath at the same time.

Adjust your diet

Limit sugary foods and drinks to avoid cavities and tooth decay. If you drink beverages that cause bad breath like coffee, coffee, or tea, rinse your mouth with water after drinking. Drinking water throughout the day can boost saliva production and keep your mouth clean. Eating certain foods can also help fight smelly breath. For example, apples, carrots, and celery can help remove odor-producing bacteria from your mouth. Dairy products also stimulate saliva production and contain calcium that strengthens teeth and gums.

Schedule regular dental checkups

Having a professional clean your teeth and gums every six to twelve weeks can go a long way toward helping keep bad breath away. A professional cleaning and exam will also help you catch issues before they develop into bigger problems. Routine X-rays can also help identify issues such as tooth decay and gum disease before you experience painful symptoms like toothaches and sensitive gums. At your appointment, your dentist can also give you specific advice based on your oral hygiene habits and the current state of your mouth. 

Please reach out to our dental practice in Kansas City, KS, to have a consultation with our dentists, Dr. Moreno and Dr. Tejada. Please call us at (913) 647-1900 or schedule an online consultation, and we'll guide you further.