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

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a type of unpleasant odor that comes from the mouth. It can be caused by dental decay, gum disease, dry mouth, eating pungent foods, tobacco use, dry mouth, and other causes. If you have bad breath, here are a few tips to get rid of it.

Brush your teeth twice daily

Proper oral hygiene techniques help to remove the bacteria and food particles that accumulate in the crevices between teeth and around the gums. When bacteria collect at the gum line, it can cause bad breath and gum disease. If left unchecked, the bacteria can build up into plaque and lead to gingivitis and even eventual tooth loss. An electric toothbrush can help to remove food and plaque more effectively than a manual toothbrush. When used correctly, an electric toothbrush can clean the teeth more thoroughly and help prevent bad breath, cavities, and other oral health issues. It’s also important to brush the tongue to get rid of any odor-causing bacteria there. The tongue can often harbor just as much bacteria as teeth do. By brushing the tongue, you can prevent those bacteria from building up and eventually spreading to the mouth. A tongue scraper can be a good tool to use when cleaning the tongue since it can remove much more bacteria than a toothbrush alone. 

Floss at least once a day

It’s essential to floss at least once per day in order to remove food particles and plaque from between teeth and along the gumline. If you skip this step, you risk allowing bacteria to fester in the mouth, which can cause bad breath and lead to gum disease. This is why it’s highly recommended that you floss before you brush to avoid re-depositing food and plaque back into the mouth.

Avoid dry mouth

Saliva is the mouth’s natural mouthwash. It helps rinse away food particles and plaque bacteria from teeth after eating. When a person doesn’t produce enough saliva to keep their mouth clean and healthy, dry mouth occurs. A dry mouth can occur because of certain medications, hormonal changes, anxiety/stress, dehydration, or smoking. Not having proper oral care can lead to bad breath because food particles can get stuck between the teeth and decay if not brushed off. The acids in foods and drinks can also increase your risk of tooth decay. Additionally, the buildup of food traps odor-causing bacteria, and this can cause bad breath.

Adjust your diet

Good oral hygiene habits are vital for a healthy mouth. But there are also some foods that you can incorporate into your diet to help clean away plaque, prevent bad breath and maintain fresh breath. Some foods are great for your teeth because they stimulate saliva production. Saliva cleans and hydrates your mouth, neutralizing acids, and remineralizing teeth. A few examples of these foods include apples, celery, carrots, and cucumbers. Lastly, water is another great option to keep your mouth clean and hydrated. Water prevents dry mouth and the buildup of bacteria and food particles on your teeth.

Regularly get a new toothbrush

You should replace your toothbrush every three to four months or when the bristles start to fray. It’s essential that you change your toothbrush regularly to maintain a healthy mouth and to avoid spreading bacteria when you brush. 

Schedule regular dental checkups

It’s important to schedule your routine checkups every six months. During these visits, we will clean your teeth, check for signs of cavities and gum disease, and examine your mouth for abnormal cell changes, all of which can indicate oral cancer. During your checkup, we can also teach you about proper oral hygiene techniques, such as brushing or flossing properly. We can also discuss any dietary concerns you may have, including avoiding foods that cause bad breath.

Got any doubts? Visit Alencar Family Dentistry. We are located at 711 Greenbrier Pkwy Suite 101, Chesapeake, VA 23320. Contact us at (757) 546-0301 or visit our website for more information.