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Having fresh breath is important both for your oral health and your self-confidence. Bad breath can be embarrassing and uncomfortable, and it can affect how people respond to you or treat you. Having fresh breath shows you care about your oral hygiene. Here are a few tips to eliminate bad breath. 

Brush your teeth twice daily

The number one way to get bad breath under control is to brush your teeth regularly. This removes plaque and bacteria from the mouth, which both cause bad breath. Brushing also helps keep the teeth white and healthy looking. Be sure to brush twice each day for at least two minutes each time. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle, circular motions.

Floss at least once a day

There are areas between teeth that are difficult to reach with a toothbrush alone. This is where flossing comes in! By flossing regularly, you can effectively remove plaque and bacteria from between teeth and can help prevent cavities and gum disease. Make sure you floss at least once a day!

Brush your tongue

Tongue cleaning is often overlooked but plays a major role in reducing bad breath and improving oral health. Using a tongue scraper can be effective in removing bacteria while reducing plaque buildup on teeth. Once clean, rinse your mouth with water to remove the remaining debris. A mouthwash can also be used to freshen your breath and kill the germs that cause bad breath.

Clean your dentures

If you wear dentures of any kind, it’s important to clean them daily to keep them from harboring bacteria that can contribute to bad breath. Soaking your denture in an approved cleaning solution for at least one hour each day will help to remove food particles and plaque from the appliance. Then brush the denture with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste before rinsing it once more in the solution to remove any loosened debris. When you are not wearing your dentures, keep them in a glass or plastic water container to prevent the buildup of unwanted odors. Dentures that do not fit properly can also contribute to bad breath problems because the mouth cannot properly cleanse itself of odor-causing bacteria. If your dentures are old or ill-fitting, consider scheduling a consultation for replacement options at your dentist’s office.

Avoid dry mouth

Saliva is the fluid that coats your mouth and aids in breaking down food into tiny particles of food that you can swallow safely. If you have too little saliva in your mouth, it can dry out and become thick. This can cause bad breath as old food particles become trapped between your gums and teeth. Certain medications can also cause dry mouth as a side effect. If you have a medical condition that could be causing your bad breath, be sure to speak to your doctor about potential treatment options. If it’s a medication you’re taking, talk to your doctor to see if there’s a different option available that won’t cause mouth odor. Drinking plenty of water each day can also help to prevent you from having a dry mouth.

Adjust your diet

If you’re dealing with chronic bad breath issues, you may need to make some dietary changes. Certain foods and drinks can actually increase bacteria in the mouth. This, in turn, can cause odorous breath odors. If you must eat these types of foods, try to brush your teeth right afterward. You may also want to consider rinsing your mouth with water after you eat to remove the food particles from your teeth.

Regularly get a new toothbrush

A worn-out toothbrush is unable to thoroughly clean your teeth and can cause you to experience poor oral health. Old toothbrushes harbor bacteria that could potentially be harmful to your teeth and gums. The American Dental Association recommends that you get a new toothbrush every three months to effectively clean your teeth and remove plaque from the mouth.

Schedule regular dental checkups

Visiting your dentist every six months is the best way to maintain healthy teeth and gums and prevent bad breath. When you do have a cavity or other dental issues, your dentist will be able to take care of it right away. By taking care of your oral hygiene early on with routine cleanings, you will have a lower risk of having issues like decay and gum disease. Additionally, by scheduling these appointments regularly, you can keep your smile looking and feeling its best.

If you are suffering from embarrassing breath problems, contact us today to learn more about possible ways to treat the issue and restore your confidence again!