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

Good oral hygiene is essential to maintaining healthy teeth and gums and enjoying fresh breath. If you don't practice good oral hygiene, it can lead to cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Here are a few helpful tips for maintaining good oral health. 

Brush your teeth twice daily

The American Dental Association recommends brushing for two minutes twice a day. This should be a part of your morning and evening routines. Always be sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth, including your back molars and your tongue. To properly brush your teeth, you should first angle the bristles of your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gumline. Then move the toothbrush in small circular motions to reach all parts of your teeth. Be sure to also brush along your gumlines and use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging your gums. Lastly, in circular movements, again, to make sure all plaque is removed. Do this for about two minutes and then rinse your mouth out with water.

After you've brushed your teeth it is important to floss between all of your teeth once per day. This will help eliminate any food particles trapped between your teeth and gums as well as between the teeth and under the gumline. This will also help to clean and remove plaque from those areas that cannot be reached by brushing alone. Dental floss comes in different flavors and types to help make this task more bearable. Talk to your dentist about which type is best for you.

If recommended by your dentist, you may also need to use an antimicrobial mouthwash to help combat bad breath and fight bacteria in your mouth which can lead to gingivitis. This is a liquid that should be used swished around the mouth for about one minute before spitting out. 

Brush your tongue

You shouldn't only brush your teeth for fresh breath; you should also brush your tongue. Food particles and dead skin cells can get stuck between your tongue and teeth. These bacteria can cause bad breath, so it's important to get those off!

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean the surface of your tongue. Remember to clean your tongue every time you brush your teeth. This will help keep your breath from smelling bad.

Clean dentures or dental appliances

You'll need to clean your dentures regularly. However, make sure not to brush too hard, as this can cause denture damage. It's best to soak your dentures daily in warm water with a mild denture cleaner. Make sure to rinse them well before placing them back in your mouth to avoid irritation from the cleanser.

If your dentures are damaged and can no longer be repaired, you'll need to see your dentist about getting new dentures. He or she will be able to recommend what type of replacement is best for you based on your current oral condition.

Avoid dry mouth

Saliva is the mouth's natural defense against tooth decay. A dry mouth occurs when there isn't enough saliva to wash away food particles and bacteria in the mouth. When your mouth is too dry, the acids produced by oral bacteria can erode tooth enamel and cause cavities. If you experience constant bad breath even after having proper oral hygiene, you might have chronic dry mouth.

Chronic dry mouth may be caused by certain medications, salivary gland problems or a side effect of diabetes. If you think your medication is causing dry mouth, talk to your doctor about switching medication. Avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol can also help keep your mouth moist. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help as well. If your dry mouth persists even after trying these suggestions, talk to your dentist about other solutions. Let him or her know if you are experiencing uncomfortable side effects such as cracked lips, sores in your mouth, difficulty swallowing or speaking, or rashes on your neck or face.

Adjust your diet

Eating a healthy, balanced diet can help contribute to better breath and overall health. Try to eat foods that help fight the buildup of odor-causing bacteria in the mouth, such as dairy products, lean meats, and vegetables. Water is also very important. It helps to wash away food particles and bacteria from the mouth, which will reduce bad breath. If you eat meat, choose lean cuts and cut off any visible fat, as this can also contribute to foul-smelling breath. Also, avoiding sugary foods and drinks will help prevent cavities, which is another cause of bad breath. You should also limit your alcohol and coffee intake, as both can dry out your mouth and cause unpleasant odors. Finally, chewing sugar-free gum after eating will help stimulate saliva production and help scrub away bacteria and food debris.

Regularly get a new toothbrush

To experience maximum results after brushing and flossing and to prevent bad breath, it's important to replace your toothbrush every three to four months. After several months of use, your brush can become frayed and may no longer effectively remove plaque from your teeth. In addition, the bristles may flatten out and wear out, allowing bacteria to remain on the teeth and cause tooth decay. If you suffer from gum disease, you may need to change your toothbrush even more frequently since you may be more prone to bleeding gums and inflammation than the average person. Your dentist can help you determine the best replacement schedule for your oral hygiene routine.

Schedule regular dental checkups

Visit your dentist every 6 months for a professional cleaning and checkup. A dental hygienist will use specialized tools to clean plaque and tartar from between teeth, remove stains on teeth, and give your mouth a thorough deep cleaning. Your dentist will also examine your teeth and gums for any dental health problems and give you a thorough cleaning to keep your gums healthy in-between visits. Regular cleanings and exams are just as important as brushing and flossing at home for good oral health.

If you have any questions about oral health, call us at (281) 972-4747 and schedule an appointment with our dentist. We’ll be happy to help you further.