Tips And Tricks To Get Rid Of Bad Breath

Good oral hygiene is essential for preventing bad breath and keeping your mouth healthy. Maintaining a healthy mouth helps prevent gum disease, cavities, and other dental issues. Here are a few helpful tips to eliminate bad breath. 

Brush your teeth twice daily

Brushing helps to remove food particles that linger in your mouth after eating. Food particles can cause the bacteria in your mouth to grow. The bacteria then break down these leftover pieces of food and release unpleasant odors. It is recommended to brush your teeth after every meal. However, if you cannot brush, rinse your mouth with water to help remove any food particles that can cause bad breath.

Floss at least once a day

The teeth have small pits and grooves where food particles can get caught and cause plaque buildup. By flossing at least once per day, you can remove this stuck-on food and plaque from between teeth and along the gum line before they are given a chance to decay. In addition to removing leftover food, flossing can also help remove oral bacteria and their toxins that can aggravate both gum disease and bad breath.

Brush your tongue

The tongue is a haven for bacteria to breed and produce foul-smelling odors. While many toothbrushes have a tongue cleaner on the back of the brush head, it's helpful to also use a scraper to remove bacteria and food particles from the surface of the tongue. If using a scraper is uncomfortable for you, or you are unsure how to use it properly, your dentist can show you the proper technique at your next visit.

Clean dentures or dental appliances

Failing to regularly clean your dentures or your dental appliance could lead to bad breath. When you don't take the time to clean them, they leave bacteria behind to cause foul odors and discolorations. To keep your dental appliances clean and fresh, remove and rinse them after every meal. They should be brushed daily with a denture brush and toothpaste or a toothbrush. You should soak them in the denture cleaner overnight to remove stains and plaque. 

Avoid dry mouth

When you do not drink enough water throughout the day, saliva production in your mouth decreases. This causes your mouth to be extremely dry and starts to cause bad breath as well. Water helps to wash out food particles and bacteria that accumulate in the mouth, causing odor. Also, water can help hydrate your oral tissue, which can help prevent gum diseases like gingivitis. When your mouth is dry, it is much easier for plaque to develop on your teeth. This can increase the risk of tooth decay and cavities. Therefore, it is important to stay hydrated to ensure you can properly clean your mouth of bacteria and prevent bad breath from occurring.

Adjust your diet

Your diet plays a big role in your oral health. Certain types of foods can make your breath smell bad or cause other oral problems. To help prevent poor breath and get better at caring for your teeth and gums, try adjusting your diet to incorporate more fruits and vegetables. Also, limit the intake of sugary foods and beverages, tea, coffee, etc. Drinking water throughout the day can also help to stay hydrated and help wash away bacteria on and between teeth that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

Schedule regular dental checkups

The best way to keep your breath fresh is to go to the dentist twice a year for a thorough examination and professional cleaning. Your dentist will review your medical history, including the medications you are taking to ensure there are no underlying medical conditions that could be the cause of your bad breath. They will examine your mouth to determine the cause of the odor and work with you to find an effective treatment plan.

Leaving a bad breath untreated can lead to gum disease and tooth decay, which will only aggravate your breath!

If you need more information, visit Dillon Costantino Dental at 10505 West Pico Blvd, West Los Angeles, CA 90064, or call (310) 475-0617 to schedule an appointment.