Helpful Tips To Get Rid Of Bad Breath

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a warning sign that something is not right inside your mouth. In most cases, bad breath originates in your mouth. However, it can also be a sign of a medical or dental problem.

Brushing Teeth

Brushing and flossing regularly is the best way to achieve fresh breath. However, brushing and flossing alone cannot treat bad breath.

It is best to brush your teeth after each meal or at least twice a day. After you eat, food particles have more time to adhere to teeth. The plaque will build up faster and cause gum irritations and bleeding gums. If you have time, brush your teeth for two minutes each time.

Flossing

Flossing removes plaque from the areas that your toothbrush cannot reach. It should be done at least once every day to prevent cavities and gum disease. 

To properly floss, guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion. Use care around your braces, dental bridges, or other restorative devices to ensure you don’t damage them. Pull the floss taut against a single tooth and gently rub the side of the tooth in an up-and-down motion. Repeat this process on all teeth, following the curve of each individual tooth. Don’t forget the back side of your last molars! These areas are hard to reach with a toothbrush and should be cleaned with dental floss in order to prevent tooth decay.

Flossing is one of the best ways to maintain good oral health and prevent bad breath. Be sure to keep up your flossing routine as directed and attend your dental cleanings every six months to maintain a healthy smile!

Brushing Tongue

The tongue is often forgotten when it comes to oral hygiene. However, the tongue harbors a number of bacteria that can lead to bad breath and other problems. Using a soft-bristled brush or a tongue scraper can make removing these germs easier. Simply place the brush on the tongue and move it around to scrape off any debris. This should be done after brushing your teeth in the morning and before bed in the evening.

Cleaning Dentures or Dental Appliances

It is important to thoroughly clean your dentures and dental appliances every day. Bacteria can build up on your denture or appliance over time and cause bad breath. After brushing and flossing, soak your appliance in a cleansing solution overnight. It’s especially important to thoroughly brush the inside of your cheeks to remove any bacteria that has built up there. If you aren’t already cleaning the inside of your mouth each day, add this step to your oral hygiene routine. 

Avoiding Dry Mouth

Saliva washes away food particles and neutralizes acids produced by plaque that can damage teeth or cause bad breath. If you suffer from dry mouth, consider chewing sugarless gum or sugar-free mints. This stimulates saliva flow and can improve your oral health. You should also ask your doctor about medications you are taking that may be causing your dry mouth.

Also, make sure you stay hydrated and drink plenty of water throughout the day to prevent your mouth from being overly dry. You can also rinse with water after meals and at bedtime. Aim for six to eight glasses of water daily. Reduce your caffeine intake; drink beverages like coffee and tea in moderation instead. Water is a much better choice for your body anyway! Lastly, avoid alcohol, tobacco, and sugary drinks. All of these are major contributors to dry mouth and dry throat.

Adjusting Your Diet

Certain foods and drinks can contribute to worse breath. Consider adjusting your diet to instead promote better breath, such as drinking water after consuming coffee, tea, alcohol, and soda. Drinking water will help rinse away food particles and bacteria from your mouth. Water can also improve saliva production, helping to keep oral bacteria and cavity-causing acids under control.

To learn more, visit Smile City Dental at 23884 Copperhill Dr, Santa Clarita, CA, 91354, or call (661) 702-9595.