Seven Tips To Get Rid Of Bad Breath

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can result from poor oral hygiene habits. In some cases, bad breath can be a sign of an underlying oral health problem, such as gum disease, tooth decay, dry mouth, or an infection.

Follow good oral hygiene habits

Plaque is a buildup of bacteria and food particles that accumulate in the mouth due to poor oral hygiene habits. These bacteria cause tooth decay and gum disease. The buildup of bacteria also causes a foul odor in your mouth. Good oral hygiene habits include brushing at least twice per day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and visiting the dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings.

Brush your tongue

The tongue can harbor bacteria that cause bad breath. You should brush your tongue every time you brush your teeth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and move the brush in a back-and-forth motion. It is recommended to brush your tongue every time you brush your teeth. Tongue scrapers are an effective tool to help remove the bacteria that can cause cavities and bad breath. Bacteria can accumulate quite quickly on the tongue, so it’s best to use a tongue scraper every day. The tongue scraper is specially designed to remove the buildup of skin, bacteria, and fungi from the surface of your tongue. Using a tongue scraper is more effective in fighting bad breath than using a toothbrush alone.

Clean dentures or dental appliances

Dentures should be removed at night and soaked in an antiseptic solution. The denture should be cleaned daily with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Soaking the denture in a cleansing solution can help remove plaque and debris from the surface of the denture. It can also eliminate foul odors.

Avoid dry mouth

A dry mouth is caused by an inadequate amount of saliva in the mouth. Saliva is a natural defense mechanism. It washes away food particles and other debris from the teeth and gums, keeping bacteria and plaque at bay. When the mouth lacks this natural protection, harmful oral bacteria accumulate and result in bad breath. If left untreated, dry mouth can lead to various complications including tooth decay and gum disease.

The causes for dry mouth include aging; smoking tobacco cigarettes; taking certain medications; having anxiety, depression, or stress; using alcohol excessively; and having diseases such as Sjögren’s syndrome, diabetes, Parkinson’s, HIV/AIDS, strokes, Alzheimer’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. These conditions all affect salivary gland function and can cause dry mouth.

To combat dry mouth, patients should drink plenty of water throughout the day. Patients should also avoid alcohol and caffeine if they experience these symptoms. It is important to tell your dentist about your symptoms to get a proper diagnosis so that you can treat this condition as soon as possible.

Adjust your diet

Some foods can contribute to bad breath. Garlic and onions can make your breath smell bad for a long time; however, brushing, flossing and mouthwash can usually get rid of that odor. Another common food to avoid is coffee. Coffee can be very acidic and therefore it can wear away at the enamel of your teeth and cause bad breath. A well-balanced diet can help to prevent bad breath. Avoiding sugary foods and drinks can help keep your mouth clean and healthy as well. Bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar and produce acids. These acids are what cause decay and inflammation in your mouth which creates the unpleasant odors associated with bad breath.

Regularly get a new toothbrush

The team at our dental office wants to remind all of our patients that it’s important to replace toothbrushes on a regular basis in order to keep your smile healthy and bright. Toothbrushes should be replaced every three to four months as well.

Schedule regular dental checkups

Regular dental checkups can be the key to avoiding bad breath and many other issues altogether. These appointments are more than just an opportunity for the dentist to tell you to brush and floss more; they’re a chance to catch and treat anything problematic before it worsens even further. The American Dental Association recommends scheduling an appointment for a checkup and cleaning twice each year.

Choo Choo City Dentistry, located in Chattanooga, TN, is equipped with the best dentists and modern technologies that enable the best dental care facilities for patients. Call us at (423) 756-0957 and schedule an appointment with the dentist to learn more about the services provided at the dental practice.