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Bad breath, or halitosis, can result from poor oral hygiene, gum disease, dry mouth, or tobacco use. Here are a few tips to ease bad breath. 

Brush your teeth twice daily

Practicing proper oral hygiene can help prevent bad breath caused by plaque and bacteria building up in your mouth. One way to help reduce this is by brushing your teeth twice per day with fluoride toothpaste. Aim for about two minutes each time. Use a soft-bristled brush and be gentle when brushing around your gums. Also, remember to clean your tongue using a tongue scraper to help remove odor-causing bacteria.

Floss daily

Just like you should brush your teeth at least twice per day, it's important to floss once per day as well to clean the surfaces between teeth where food and plaque can get trapped and cause odors. Using an up-and-down motion can help remove these particles and improve breath.

Remember – brushing and flossing are equally important when it comes to keeping your breath fresh and clean! If you're having a hard time with bad breath even after you brush and floss regularly, be sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist so they can evaluate your oral health. They'll be able to pinpoint the cause of your bad breath and suggest the appropriate treatment to get rid of it for good. If consistent oral care at home isn't doing the trick for you, then talk to your dental team about other treatment options that might work best for you.

Brush your tongue

In addition to brushing your teeth and flossing, you should also brush your tongue at least once a day. It helps eliminate odor-causing bacteria and food particles that get stuck on your tongue. Tongue scrapers are another option for getting rid of bacteria and debris from your tongue. Just gently scrape the surface of your tongue to remove this excess material.

Clean dentures or dental appliances

It's important to clean removable dental devices like dentures and partials as instructed by your dentist. Cleaning them prevents stains and helps keep them odor-free. Soak your dentures in cleansing solution or water after every meal to keep them smelling fresh and clean. Ensure they are placed in a denture cleanser soaking solution overnight. Never use hot water on your dentures, as it can easily warp the shape and cause breakage. Replace your denture brush as directed to avoid smelly bacteria buildup.

Avoid dry mouth

A dry mouth is a common condition that's often caused by medication use, stress, smoking, dehydration, or even breathing through your mouth. Talk to your doctor if you think it's caused by a prescription medication you may be taking. In some cases, a simple change in habits can help to alleviate the problem. This is incredibly important in the fight against bad breath. Saliva washes away food and neutralizes acids in your mouth, but when you're experiencing dry mouth, your saliva glands aren't producing enough of it. This is one of the most common causes of bad mouth odor and needs to be addressed immediately.

If you're experiencing dry mouth and want to prevent bad breath, drink plenty of water throughout the day. You can also use an oral rinse recommended by your dentist that is designed to stimulate your salivary glands. Chewing sugar-free gum can also help to moisten your mouth and promote saliva production.

Adjust your diet

What you eat has a huge effect on the health of your mouth and your body as a whole. Some foods that you should incorporate into your diet that will help get rid of bad breath include fruits and vegetables, lean protein, water, dairy products like yogurt and cheese, tea, green vegetables, foods rich in vitamin C, etc. 

Regularly get a new toothbrush

You should replace your toothbrush every three to four months or earlier if you have signs of an oncoming cold sore. Make sure to store your toothbrush in an upright position and away from other toothbrushes to prevent cross-contamination. After brushing, rinse your toothbrush with water before storing it. This will help remove debris from the bristles and prevent the growth of bacteria. You may also want to soak your brush in mouthwash to kill germs and retain its freshness.

Schedule regular dental checkups

Did you know that most dentists recommend that patients visit their dentist once every six months for a cleaning and checkup? Regular dental cleanings and exams are essential for optimal oral health and can help stop small issues like bad breath from turning into bigger ones. Not only can these appointments help your dentist catch any developing problems, but they can also help ensure your teeth are as clean as possible, thus preventing bad breath. At your appointments, one of our dental hygienists will thoroughly clean your teeth and gums to help prevent tooth decay and remove plaque buildup. Then, the dentist will perform a thorough examination of your mouth to check for any issues that may not be visible to the naked eye. These visits can help prevent common issues like cavities, gum disease, bad breath, and more. Dental cleanings and exams can be time-consuming, but they're well worth it! If you're due for your biannual appointment, be sure to call us today to schedule an appointment at our dental office today!

To learn more, schedule your dental exam today, contact Grace Dental Ed Bishay at 5022 US-90 ALT suite c, Sugar Land, TX 77498, or call (281) 340-1333.