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

Having good oral hygiene is essential to your overall health. Flossing and brushing help keep your teeth clean and free of plaque buildup. This, in turn, helps to prevent bad breath, tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. While practicing good oral hygiene is important, there are some other things you can do to get rid of bad breath and maintain a healthy mouth.

Brush your teeth twice daily

Keeping your teeth clean and your gums healthy is the first step in eliminating bad breath. You should brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste that contains fluoride. When you brush, make sure you reach the gum line, which removes bacteria that cause bad breath. Don’t forget to brush your tongue, too; that will help get rid of bacteria and freshen your breath. Brushing regularly also prevents gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis. These diseases can cause bad breath because your mouth is a breeding ground for odor-causing bacteria. If you don’t remove plaque and bacteria on your teeth, they can build up and cause tooth decay and gum disease. Regular brushing can help keep you from having these serious dental health issues. 

Floss at least once a day

Bacteria and food particles that get caught between the teeth can lead to bad breath and tooth decay. Flossing helps remove these bacteria and food debris to keep your mouth clean and healthy. Although brushing alone can remove plaque from most of the tooth surfaces, it misses the areas where the gum meets the tooth. This is where flossing comes in! It can reach these areas and clean them effectively. So remember – brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day!

Brush your tongue

Brushing your tongue can help to remove food particles and plaque from the surface of your tongue. Once these particles are removed, the odor-causing bacteria have less to feed on. Using a tongue scraper can also help to remove any extra plaque buildup on the surface of your tongue.

Clean dentures or dental appliances

If you wear dentures or have other removable oral devices, make sure to clean them thoroughly before wearing them again. This will help reduce the risk of bacteria building up on them while they’re in storage.

Avoid dry mouth

This can be caused by salivary gland issues or a side effect of certain medications. Fortunately, you can reduce dryness by drinking plenty of water and chewing on sugarless gum or hard candies. You should also avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol or other ingredients to dry out your mouth. Your dentist may also recommend saliva replacement products or medication to increase moisture in your mouth.

A dry mouth can also be caused by smoking, so you should try to quit if you have this issue. While treating some causes of dry mouth may be as simple as sipping more water, other solutions may include medication or changes to your oral hygiene routine.

Louie Family Dentistry is dedicated to providing the best care for your oral health. To know more about gum disease, visit our office at 41268 Fremont Blvd, Fremont, CA 94538. Please contact us at (510) 656-7778.