Helpful Tips To Eliminate Bad Breath Permanently

Bad breath, or halitosis, is caused by particles of food, bacteria, and dead cells. Foods with strong odors, such as onions, garlic, and coffee, can leave lingering odors in your mouth. Brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day, using a toothbrush with antibacterial toothpaste, and tongue scraping can help prevent bad breath. Read on to learn more.

Brush your teeth twice daily

Brushing your teeth twice each day is a step you can take toward getting rid of bad breath for good! While brushing does remove plaque and bacteria from the surface of the teeth and gumline, it is also important that you brush your tongue as well. Bacteria that accumulate on the tongue can transfer to your teeth and gums and cause bad breath. Plus, the tongue is a source of odor on its own, so keeping the tongue clean is an important part of tackling this issue.

You may also want to consider investing in an electric toothbrush. These brushes do a superior job of cleaning the teeth than manually operated toothbrushes. When shopping for an electric toothbrush, look for one with an oscillating head – this will do a better job of removing plaque and food particles from along the surface of the tooth.

Floss at least once a day

Bacteria that cause bad breath love to hide in hard-to-reach places between teeth and below the gum line. If you don’t floss regularly, you are more likely to experience chronic bad breath due to food particles and bacteria getting stuck in your mouth. Using the dental floss of your choice, gently clean the surfaces of every tooth, including your molars, using a small section of floss about 18 inches long.

Brush your tongue

In addition to flossing between teeth, you also want to brush your tongue to help remove bad breath-causing bacteria and get rid of that lingering taste in your mouth. The tongue is prone to harboring the bacteria that can cause bad breath, so it’s important to get it just as clean as your teeth when you brush them twice a day. Use a toothbrush that is specifically designed for brushing the tongue to clean the surface of your tongue. You can also use a tongue scraper instead of a toothbrush to get rid of any leftover residue on the tongue.

Clean dentures or dental appliances

Cleaning your dental appliance daily removes food particles and plaque buildup that could cause odor or irritation. Your dentist may recommend soaking it overnight if it’s difficult to clean thoroughly each day. Keep in mind that not cleaning your appliance could lead to bad breath and other oral health issues. It’s especially important to clean your oral appliance if you have sleep apnea since a dirty device can irritate your airways and make breathing more difficult.

Call your dentist right away if your denture or dental appliance breaks, cracks, shrinks, or chips. Wearing a broken or missing tooth isn’t good for your oral health, so it’s important to get it fixed as soon as possible. If your broken appliance is causing you discomfort, ask a dentist about switching to another appliance until you can have yours repaired.

Avoid dry mouth

Saliva has several important functions for your dental health. It keeps your mouth from drying out by washing away food and other debris. It neutralizes acids produced by bacteria in your mouth and helps remove odor-causing compounds. And it keeps tooth decay at bay by washing away leftover food particles and neutralizing acid created by the bacteria in your mouth. If you don’t produce enough saliva, you can end up with bad breath as a result.

Dry mouth can be caused by many things, including certain medications, smoking, dehydration, and some diseases. If you are experiencing dry mouth, it may be beneficial to talk to your dentist about ways to treat the condition. In some cases, your medication may be able to be switched out for another that doesn’t have dry mouth as a side effect, for example. Your dentist may also recommend specific mouthwashes and rinses. Ask your dentist for recommendations on how to make dry mouth a thing of the past.

You can also prevent dry mouth by staying hydrated throughout the day. This can also help with bad breath. Aim for at least eight glasses of water per day. Water will help wash away food and plaque that can cause buildup on your teeth and lead to decay. It will also flush toxins out of your body and keep your gums healthy. 

Adjust your diet

Believe it or not, your food choices impact your breath! Foods that are rich in chemicals, like garlic and onions, don’t just leave a lingering odor on your breath; they also can cause bad breath. While foods aren’t the only cause of bad breath, they can definitely be a contributing factor to the problem. 

Adjusting your diet is just one thing you can do to make sure you’re practicing good oral hygiene at home. 

Regularly get a new toothbrush

When you brush daily and floss regularly, you are keeping your mouth clean. But did you know that your toothbrush can harbor bacteria and cause bad odors to linger in your mouth even after brushing and flossing? This is why it is important to change your toothbrush every three to six months. 

Schedule regular dental checkups

If you regularly visit your dentist for checkups and cleanings, your dental hygienist will be able to better monitor your oral health and alert you to any problems. If you’ve had an oral health-related concern in the past, it’s even more important to visit your dentist for regular checkups. Your dentist will keep an eye out for any potential problems and help you prevent them in the future.

We recommend scheduling an appointment every six months to catch problems early and prevent them before they advance. Regular dental exams are also an important part of keeping your teeth and gums clean. During your visit, we’ll perform a thorough cleaning that removes plaque buildup. We can also identify problem areas and recommend the appropriate treatment to keep your smile healthy.

To learn more, visit Zhao Dental, at 5720 Stoneridge Mall Rd #200, Pleasanton, CA 94588, or call (925) 847-8790 to book an appointment.