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Bad breath, medically called halitosis, can be a sign of poor dental health. There are a variety of causes, and addressing them will help eliminate bad breath. Here are a few tips to eliminate bad breath.

Brush your teeth twice daily

All adults should brush their teeth at least twice every day. Follow this simple rule for a healthier mouth and fresher breath. Failure to brush teeth can leave a layer of plaque on the teeth that will continue to build up throughout the day. During the day, food particles and bacteria get stuck in these sticky layers of plaque. When you don’t brush away this layer of plaque, it can calcify into a hard substance called tartar. Left untreated, the bacteria will irritate your gums and cause gum disease, which can lead to tooth decay, cavities, bad breath, and tooth loss. Not brushing the teeth can also result in white spots forming on the teeth. These spots are just the areas of enamel that have weakened due to the acids in the foods and drinks you consume, such as soda, coffee, and wine. Enamel cannot be grown back, and you can only prevent further damage by practicing good oral hygiene habits.

Floss at least once a day

While daily brushing is essential for maintaining a healthy smile, flossing is also very important. Even if you brush your teeth twice a day, the food particles and bacteria that are left behind can still cause your breath to smell bad. When you floss, you will be able to remove the bits of food and bacteria stuck between your teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach. By removing the bacteria and food particles from your mouth, you can eliminate the cause of your bad breath.

Brush your tongue

A tongue scraper is a great tool for keeping your mouth clean and fresh. When you wake up in the morning, you should scrape the surface of your tongue to remove dead cells and bacteria from the surface of the tongue. You can use a soft toothbrush or an antimicrobial rinse to clean the surface of your tongue as well. 

Clean dentures or dental appliances

If you don’t brush your dentures daily, food particles and plaque can build up on them and cause foul odors. So, you should remove and clean your dentures on a daily basis. Talk to your dentist about your cleaning tips!

When it comes to caring for dental implants, patients should practice the same routine as they would care for their natural teeth. We recommend brushing twice a day with an electric toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Flossing is also an important part of maintaining your oral health to prevent gum disease and other complications.

Avoid dry mouth

If you have bad breath due to dry mouth, you’ll need to make some lifestyle changes in order to get rid of it for good. A dry mouth causes sores in the mouth and throat, which means pain and discomfort when eating or swallowing. To get rid of bad breath caused by dry mouth, try drinking more water throughout the day. You may also have to chew sugar-free gum to stimulate the production of saliva. Additionally, avoid alcohol, caffeine, tobacco, and sugary foods and drinks to prevent dry mouth in the future.

Adjust your diet

Eating certain foods and drinks can leave behind a lingering odor in your mouth and on your breath. While these foods may not be directly causing bad breath, they contribute to it if consumed regularly. Try to avoid the foods like garlic, onion, alcoholic beverages, high-fat foods, foods high in sugar, acidic fruits, juices, etc., to help reduce bad breath.

These foods aren’t inherently bad for you; they can actually be part of a healthy diet in moderate amounts. However, if you’re already struggling with bad breath, avoiding them altogether can help keep your mouth healthy and reduce bad odors.

Regularly get a new toothbrush

If you can’t remember the last time you got a new toothbrush, then now is a good time to do so! The majority of people change their toothbrushes about every three months. However, some people need to change their brushes more often. To keep your teeth and gums healthy, we recommend changing your toothbrush every three to four months. It is best to change your brush sooner if the bristles are frayed, and you notice excess wear on the toothbrush. It is also a good idea to change your toothbrush after an illness to prevent reinfection.

Schedule regular dental checkups

Seeing the dentist regularly can help you maintain good oral health and prevent bad breath. Your dentist can clean your teeth and gums to remove any plaque that has built up over time. They will also recommend products that can help you maintain fresh breath between appointments.

If you have dentures or a bridge, your dentist will clean and polish them to keep them in good condition. They’ll also talk to you about caring for your prosthetic device at home.

You’ll also have the opportunity to ask about any concerns you may have about your oral health. Regular dental visits can be a great way to prevent bad breath in the long term.

To learn more about ways to maintain your oral health, visit Mountain View Advanced Dental in Mountain View, CA, or call our dental clinic at (650) 988-9458.