Bad breath is usually caused by poor oral hygiene. Inadequate brushing and flossing allow bacteria to build up in the mouth, which can cause bad breath. If gum disease is present, it can cause halitosis, as it causes the body to release chemicals into the mouth that are foul-smelling. Here are a few tips to ease bad breath.

Brushing your teeth

There are hundreds of different bacteria that naturally live in your mouth. When you don’t brush and floss regularly, these bacteria will accumulate on your teeth and cause bad breath.

The bristles of a toothbrush reach into the crevices of each tooth, removing plaque and food particles that can cause decay. After brushing with your toothpaste of choice, use mouthwash for a fresher breath. 

Flossing at least once per day

Oral bacteria build up in your mouth and cause bad breath. By flossing your teeth with at least a 12-inch piece of floss or a water flosser, you can remove these germs from in between teeth to stop bad breath from occurring in the first place. If you can’t seem to find any relief from the chronic problem, schedule a visit to the dentist to find out if you need additional treatment.

Ignoring the problem can lead to even more serious oral health problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease. It’s important to practice good dental hygiene habits daily to prevent these issues from occurring. 

Brushing your tongue

Your tongue has millions of bacteria on it at any given time. It attaches to the surface of the teeth and acts like a shelf on which bacteria can gather and thrive. Make sure to brush the surfaces of your tongue every time you brush your teeth. Some toothbrushes even come with a built-in tongue cleaner, so it’s easy to get your whole mouth clean.

You can also buy a specially-made tongue scraper from your local drugstore. This works better than using just your toothbrush to clean the tongue. 

If you suffer from bad breath but have no other oral health issues, try brushing your tongue twice a day for at least one month to see if this improves your condition. If it doesn’t, then you may want to visit your dentist, who can help identify the cause of your bad breath and recommend a solution.

Cleaning dentures and dental appliances

Caring for your removable dental appliances, such as partials or dentures, is very important. Plaque and bacteria can easily accumulate on your appliance causing foul odors, tooth decay, and even gum disease. Routine cleanings are required to prevent these issues. Don’t forget to clean your mouth as well. 

Avoiding dry mouth

A dry mouth is unpleasant and uncomfortable. It can also lead to additional oral health problems as it inhibits the mouth’s ability to naturally clean itself. A dry mouth occurs as a result of a reduced flow of saliva in the mouth. There are several things that can cause this problem - some examples include stress, certain medications, alcohol use, smoking, or a side effect of a medical condition such as diabetes. While you cannot control some of these factors, there are still things you can do to help avoid dry mouth. The main recommendation is to avoid sugary foods and drinks as this will make the problem worse. You should also drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Additionally, using a humidifier at night can help to prevent your mouth from drying out overnight while you sleep. If you notice persistent dry mouth, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to discuss potential treatment options. 

Adjusting your diet

If you are experiencing bad breath, you may want to visit your dental office and see if they can give you a diagnosis and treatment plan. They can help you find the foods that may be causing you to have increased bacteria in your mouth and may be causing the odor. They can recommend a diet that can help reduce the bacteria that are causing the bad smell. Some common suggestions are eating less garlic and onions and avoiding sugary drinks such as soda. Your dentist can also give you suggestions for products that are designed to reduce the amount of bacteria that causes the bad smell but are safe enough for your body to use.

Regularly getting a new toothbrush

The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush every three to four months, depending on how well you take care of it. Toothbrushes can harbor millions of bacteria, and if they are not properly cleaned regularly, they can cause oral infections like gingivitis and cavities. Worn-out bristles can also affect your cleaning ability, so it’s best to replace your toothbrush frequently. Be sure to change your toothbrush after you’ve been sick to prevent re-infections of your mouth. Your dentist may recommend using an electric toothbrush, which can increase the effectiveness of your brushing and reduce any bleeding of the gums. Ask your dentist for a recommendation on which type of toothbrush you should use.

To find out more about the dental services offered at our dental practice, call (801)-923-1011 or schedule an online consultation. You can also visit us at 1838 N 1075 W #100, Farmington, UT 84025, USA.