Helpful Tips To Get Rid Of Bad Breath

Good oral hygiene habits are an essential part of maintaining healthy teeth and gums and a healthy smile. Practicing good dental care at home can prevent most dental problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease.

Brush your teeth twice daily

Brushing removes particles of food and bacteria from your mouth that can contribute to bad breath. You should brush your teeth after meals and before bed. 

If you have braces or other orthodontic devices on your teeth, it is especially important to brush two times each day to avoid plaque buildup. Plaque can inflame your gums and lead to gum disease. 

You should also replace your toothbrush every three to four months. A worn-out toothbrush will not clean your teeth as well as a new toothbrush will. 

Floss at least once a day

Flossing is a great way to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth. Unfortunately, many people only floss when they know they are about to visit the dentist. It is important to be proactive with your dental care and visit your dentist regularly for routine cleanings. Your dentist will identify any signs of tooth decay or damage and can treat it before it progresses into a larger problem that requires more costly treatment.

Brush your tongue

The tongue is a haven for bacteria that collect on the ridges and taste buds of the tongue. When these bacteria are left unchecked, they can produce volatile sulfur compounds that cause bad breath. Proper brushing of your tongue removes those bacteria and freshens your breath.

Some mouthwashes include an antibacterial agent to prevent the formation of odor-causing bacteria. These mouthwashes are also helpful in cleaning your mouth. However, you should still brush your teeth at least twice a day, as well as floss daily, in order to remove as many germs from your mouth as possible.

Clean dentures or dental appliances

If you do not clean your dentures every day, plaque can build up and cause problems, including bad breath. When you are not wearing your dentures, you should soak them in a denture cleaning solution such as Polident every night. Cleaning them is very important to maintaining your oral health and preventing disease.

When you are cleaning your dentures, you should also take the time to brush your gums as well. This helps to remove food particles and debris from your gum tissues. If food or debris is left behind, it can turn into plaque and create problems for your teeth and gums.

Avoid dry mouth

The condition where your mouth is dry is called “dry mouth.” This can be caused by certain medications, salivary gland problems, or health conditions. It can also be caused by breathing through your mouth instead of your nose. Saliva helps wash away food particles and bacteria in your mouth that may cause bad breath. Without saliva, you can’t wash away the leftover food particles that turn into plaque and tartar. These substances will continually build up on your teeth and lead to tooth decay over time. A dry mouth can be a temporary condition, such as those caused by dehydration, or it can be a chronic problem. If you suffer from chronic dry mouth, talk to your dentist about treatments that can help.

If dry mouth is caused by the medication you are taking, you may be able to switch medications with your doctor’s approval.

Adjust your diet

The foods you eat affect your oral health and can cause bad breath. Bacteria in the mouth break down the food particles and produce foul-smelling sulfur compounds. The best way to get rid of bad breath is to eat a healthy, balanced diet.

Schedule regular dental checkups

Having a dentist examine your mouth regularly will help you have fresh breath. A dentist will be able to spot signs of tooth decay and gum disease early. The sooner your dentist catches the problem, the easier it is to treat it. If left untreated, bad breath will only get worse. Your dentist can also recommend habits that can improve your breath in-between visits.

To learn more, visit Bruce R. Clark, DDS, MAGD, 2550 Stover St E-102, Fort Collins, CO 80525. Call us at ( 970 ) 498 8607 to book an appointment.