How Do I Get Rid Of Bad Breath? Tips And Tricks

Bad breath, or halitosis, can be an embarrassing condition to live with. The embarrassment associated with bad breath can have a negative impact on your personal and professional life. Here are a few tips and tricks to eliminate bad breath. 

Brushing your teeth

First things first – brush thoroughly! It’s best to brush your teeth for at least two minutes at a time, twice every day. You should be sure to clean every tooth surface with an up and down motion and don’t forget to brush the chewing surfaces. An electric toothbrush can be helpful as it can help you cover more surface area in a shorter amount of time. You should also replace your toothbrush every three months.

Also worth noting is that if you’re using mouthwash, it’s best to swish it around in your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out. 

Flossing

Your toothbrush bristles cannot reach in between teeth or under the gum line to remove plaque and food particles from those places. These spaces need to be cleaned out regularly with dental floss or another type of interdental cleaner to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

One of the biggest causes of bad breath is a lack of flossing. When food remains in between the teeth too long, it breaks down into an acid that can produce an unpleasant odor and taste. When these areas aren’t cleaned properly, bacteria can build up and produce toxins that lead to further complications such as gingivitis and, eventually, periodontitis. According to the American Dental Association, you should floss once per day. However, you may need to floss more frequently if you experience bleeding gums when you brush or if you notice that your gums are red or swollen. 

Brushing your tongue

While brushing your teeth twice a day is important, it’s also important to brush your tongue to help get rid of bad breath. Your tongue is teeming with bacteria that can contribute to foul odors. To help eliminate bad-breath-causing bacteria, try using a toothbrush with a tongue scraper to gently scrape the surface of your tongue each time you brush your teeth. This will remove some of the bacteria and food particles that can cause odor. Be sure to also floss to remove any remaining plaque from between teeth.

Cleaning dentures or dental appliances

Your natural teeth and gums require cleaning every day. But your dentures and dental appliances need brushing as well. Dentures should be cleaned after every meal. Dental devices must be brushed thoroughly before inserting them into your mouth or adjusting them in your mouth. Refer to your dental professional about the proper method to clean your specific dental device.

Avoiding dry mouth

A dry mouth results from a lack of saliva, which is needed for washing away bacteria and food debris. A dry mouth can also be caused by medicine side effects or certain diseases. Remedies for dry mouth include drinking plenty of water and chewing sugar-free gum to stimulate your mouth to produce more saliva.

If you suffer from chronic bad breath, be sure to schedule a dental checkup with your dentist. They can examine your mouth to determine the cause of the problem and suggest a treatment plan to get rid of your bad breath for good.

To learn more, visit Wedgewood Dental offices at 713 Salem Avenue Suite A, Rolla MO 65401 or 1116 S. Main Street, Salem MO 65560. You can also reach us at (573)368-7325 or (573)729-7701.