Tips To Get Rid of Bad Breath Permanently

Bad breath is a common problem that affects people of all ages. It can be caused by anything from poor oral hygiene to more serious underlying conditions. Most people brush their teeth regularly, but might not be doing enough to prevent or treat bad breath. Listed below are some useful ways by which you can get rid of bad breath.

Brush your teeth twice daily

When you brush and floss regularly, you remove food particles that bacteria use to produce foul-smelling compounds. If you don't brush your teeth often enough, oral bacteria can multiply quickly and cause bad breath. To get rid of bad breath, you should brush your teeth after every meal or at least twice a day with ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste. You should also floss every day to remove food and plaque from between teeth and along the gum line. You can easily keep your mouth fresh and clean by brushing your teeth in the morning and before bed. The American Dental Association recommends brushing for two minutes at a time with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. 

Floss at least once a day

Don't forget to floss each day to clean debris and food from around your teeth that your toothbrush cannot reach. You should floss at least once per day before going to bed at night. Bacteria and food particles can get stuck in between the teeth and can cause decay and gum disease if not cleaned properly. That is why it is essential to floss at least once a day to help remove food trapped in the gum line.

Brush your tongue

Additionally, brushing the tongue can help eliminate bacteria that cause bad breath. The tongue is very active and is responsible for producing most of the body's saliva. By brushing the tongue, you help clean off any food particles left behind after meals.

Brushing your tongue helps get rid of the bacteria that cause bad breath. Use a tongue scraper to clean the surface of your tongue – this will help remove the bacteria that live on the tongue's surface and cause the odor. 

Clean dentures or dental appliances

Your dentist may recommend you clean your dentures or dental appliance on a regular basis. Bacteria can build up on your dental appliances over time and cause bad breath. Cleaning the denture/dental appliance out regularly will help you maintain your oral hygiene and help prevent any unwanted oral bacteria from developing.

Avoid dry mouth

A dry mouth is one of the most common causes of bad breath. Saliva helps wash away bacteria in the mouth and neutralizes acids. Without saliva to do these things, the mouth remains full of oral bacteria and can cause bad breath. Some common causes of dry mouth include tobacco use, certain medications, salivary gland problems, gum disease, breathing with your mouth open, and dehydration.

Adjust your diet

Good oral hygiene is only half the equation when it comes to having fresh breath. To truly get rid of bad breath, you'll need to make some changes to your diet. A healthy diet includes foods that are low in sugar and refined carbohydrates and high in lean proteins, fresh vegetables, and fruit.

Foods that are high in processed sugars can cause bacteria in the mouth to produce volatile sulfur compounds. These odors are the direct cause of most chronic cases of bad breath. Chronic cases occur when bad breath is not linked to anything in particular. Instead, it is the smell of what you eat that is lingering in your mouth after you've eaten it. Start by cutting back on foods and drinks that are high in sugar and carbs. These include things like sugary sodas, juices, energy drinks, candy, and other processed foods. You should also try to cut back on alcohol since it can dry out the mouth and lead to more odor-causing bacteria. If you do drink, water is always the best choice for hydration rather than soda or juice. Water will also help to wash away food particles that could be leftover from the meal you just had.

Regularly get a new toothbrush

You should replace your toothbrush every three to four months just to be on the safe side. But you should replace it more often if your toothbrush is frayed, worn, bent, or has visible gaps between its bristles. You will also want to replace your toothbrush sooner if you've been sick. Your toothbrush can collect germs and bacteria that can make you sick.

You should also replace your toothbrush after you've had a cold, the flu, or another sickness. You might need to do so more than once if you've had a particularly bad bout of the illness. Bacteria can collect on your toothbrush and make you sick again.

Schedule regular dental checkups

A dentist will be able to help you determine the cause of bad breath and help you find the solution. If your dentist determines that your bad breath is caused by tooth decay, cavities, or gum diseases, he or she can recommend treatments such as fillings, root canal therapy, periodontal therapy, and more. 

To schedule your next appointment, call our dental office today!