Tips To Rid Of Bad Breath!

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be caused by poor dental health habits or an underlying condition. The blog below lists some steps you can take to achieve good oral health and get rid of bad breath.

Stay Hydrated

Your teeth have a natural defense system against bacteria, which is your mouth’s saliva. But if your mouth is dry due to lack of hydration or mouth breathing, it can cause plaque buildup, tooth decay, and bad breath. Simply by drinking water throughout the day to stay hydrated, you can prevent dry mouth and help ward off bad breath.

Brush your teeth twice daily

You should brush your teeth twice per day for two minutes each time. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to help clean all surfaces of your teeth and along the gum line where food particles can get stuck. You should also brush your tongue to freshen your breath and remove bacteria and food particles.

If your current toothbrush is starting to fray at the edges, it’s time to get a new one. Consider getting an electronic toothbrush that vibrates to remove plaque from hard-to-reach places in the mouth. Many electric toothbrushes have a two-minute timer, so you can make sure you are brushing long enough during each brushing session.

Floss at least once a day

Bacteria in your mouth feed on leftover food particles and mucus. As a byproduct of this process, they emit foul-smelling gases that can get trapped in your mouth and cause unpleasant breath odor. So, you should floss or clean between your teeth at least once daily to remove all the bacteria and food particles that can cause bad breath.

Food particles are especially problematic because bacteria are able to digest them and produce sulfurous compounds that are the cause of bad-smelling breath. By flossing at least once a day, you can remove these food particles before they have a chance to break down in the mouth and cause your breath to smell bad.

Brushing your tongue

Brushing the tongue helps remove odor-causing bacteria from your mouth, so it’s always a good idea to do it after brushing and flossing. Many toothbrushes come with a tongue cleaner built right into the bristles of the brush, so you don’t even have to go out and buy a special tool to clean your tongue! Simply run the bristled part of the tongue scraper along the surface of your tongue to remove food particles and debris that may be stuck in your crevices.

Avoiding dry mouth

Saliva has several purposes in the mouth. It breaks down food for digestion, assists in keeping the mouth clean by washing away food and toxic materials stuck between teeth, prevents infection that can cause bad breath, and maintains healthy pH levels in the mouth. Without saliva, tooth decay is more likely because food and other debris are left behind after eating. In addition, this allows bacteria to multiply and produce foul odors from the breakdown of proteins. A dry mouth can also cause bad breath because the stale odor of decayed teeth becomes trapped below the gum line and on the tongue. If dry mouth goes untreated, it can lead to more serious problems, including gum disease, tooth decay, and even tooth loss. If you suspect you have a dry mouth, schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible for treatment recommendations.

Adjusting your diet

Certain foods cause bad odors in your mouth. If you suffer from stinky breath, try to avoid these offenders, including onions, garlic, coffee, and tobacco products. Also, keep in mind that some medications can cause bad breath as a side effect. If you’re concerned about your persistent bad breath, get in touch with your dentist for an exam. They may recommend certain medications that will eliminate it or at least help you manage it better.

Getting a new toothbrush

Bacteria can build up on your toothbrush over time, so it’s important to regularly get a new brush. The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush every three to four months. 

Scheduling regular dental checkups

You may not realize how much your mouth plays a role in your overall health. It can affect your entire body. Regular dental visits are important for more than just caring for your teeth and gums; they also allow your dentist to monitor your oral health and check for early signs of disease. 

To find out more about the dental services offered at Doubletake Dental, call (801) 225-1002 or schedule an online consultation. You can also visit us at 163 N 400 W St A1, Orem, UT, 84057.