Helpful Tips To Permanently Get Rid of Bad Breath

Bad breath, or halitosis, can be embarrassing. Bad breath can be caused by poor oral health habits. Practicing good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing at least once a day, can help remove bacteria, food particles, and plaque from your mouth that can cause bad breath. Read on to learn a few tips to eliminate bad breath.

Brush your teeth twice daily

Plaque and bacteria buildup can cause bad breath. When you brush twice a day, you remove plaque and food particles from your mouth so they won’t cause odor. You can also consider using an electric toothbrush that vibrates to break up food particles and plaque more easily than a non-electric toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes may also be more effective at reducing plaque buildup around brackets or other orthodontic hardware.

Floss at least once a day

Bacteria and food debris love to hide out between the teeth, and when you don’t floss to remove them, it can result in bad breath. The bacteria that cause bad breath can also cause cavities, gum disease, and other serious oral health problems. So make flossing part of your daily oral hygiene routine! It only takes a few minutes of your time, but it can make a big difference in your oral health.

Brush your tongue

Brushing the tongue will remove any odor-causing bacteria that accumulate on the tongue and can cause bad breath. 

Clean dentures or dental appliances

Make an appointment with your dentist if your dentures do not fit properly. Loose dentures can cause bad odors. The mouth needs to keep itself clean, and a loose denture can make it too difficult. It can collect food particles and other debris that can be difficult to remove with brushing alone. A loose denture can allow bacteria to grow in the mouth, which can lead to bad breath. If using a dental appliance such as a night guard for teeth grinding, it should also be checked regularly to ensure the fit is appropriate and does not loosen over time.

Make sure your dentures are cleaned regularly by your dentist. This can lead to a reduction in plaque buildup and food particles that can cause the breath to smell bad. You can also soak your dentures in a cleaning solution overnight and clean them thoroughly before placing them. Your dentist can recommend a specific product for cleaning dentures that will help keep them fresh. 

Avoid dry mouth

A dry mouth can be caused by many things, such as dehydration, smoking, certain medications, and medical conditions. Saliva cleanses the mouth, removing leftover food particles and protecting the teeth from decay. Without saliva, plaque can build up, and cavities may form. Drinking plenty of water can actually increase saliva production and prevent dry mouth.

Adjust your diet

What you eat has a lot to do with your bad breath. The foods you consume will directly cause your breath to smell good or bad. To avoid having bad breath, you should consume foods that are good for digestion and won’t leave an odor behind, such as yogurt, apples, bananas, and raw vegetables.

You should also avoid pungent foods such as onions, garlic, cauliflower, and spicy foods. Additionally, you should avoid alcohol and other tobacco products. Tobacco products especially can leave a strong odor in your mouth that can be hard to get rid of once it starts.

Regularly get a new toothbrush

Toothbrushes lose their ability to remove plaque and bacteria over time. This can ultimately lead to bad breath. The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush every three to four months.

Schedule regular dental checkups

The best thing you can do for your oral health is come in for regular cleanings and exams. Even if you follow all of the above tips and maintain excellent oral health at home, you still need to see your dentist regularly for professional teeth cleaning and oral maintenance. This is because the parts of your mouth that your brush and floss every day may still harbor bacteria and other debris that you can’t see or reach. Having a professional cleaning every six months will not only allow your hygienist to remove plaque and tartar buildup that you may not have noticed, but it will also allow him or her to screen you for early signs of gum disease and provide treatment as needed. This helps to ensure your smile remains healthy and that you can continue to smile with confidence!

Get in touch with Peak Family Dentistry at 4933 Brainerd Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37411, or call (423) 899-1948 to schedule an appointment for the best dental care based on your specific needs.