Bad breath or halitosis, is a problem that many people experience. It can be caused by multiple factors like genetics, diet, and dental work you have done in your mouth. Bad breath is a pain to deal with, especially if it is something you deal with constantly. If your bad breath is not caused by a bacterial infection like gum disease, there are ways you can combat it and improve your self-confidence.
Here at Sunset Dental, we want all our patients to have healthy teeth, gums, and tongues. Frequently visiting your dentist for cleanings and X-rays can help catch problems before they become major. Dental cleanings and dental work from our friendly dentist can help you avoid bad breath and other oral bacterial infections.
1- Brush Your Teeth After Eating
Brushing your teeth twice a day is typically enough to keep bad breath at bay, but if you are continually plagued by bad breath, brushing after eating a meal can help. This method can also help prevent bad breath from occurring as well. Removing plaque or odors that occur from eating certain foods will help keep your mouth fresher for longer.
2- Floss Once A Day
Flossing is another way to remove food particles and bacteria from your teeth. Bacteria is the leading cause of bad breath, so keeping build-up from forming will limit the amount of bacteria in your mouth. Proper flossing and brushing are crucial to proper oral health.
3- Brush Your Tongue
When brushing your teeth, don’t forget to scrub your tongue. A good majority of the bacteria in your mouth lives on your tongue, causing bad breath and dry mouth. Using your toothbrush or a tongue scraper can help remove bacteria and lower the odor from your tongue.
Bacteria and build-up on the tongue will give it a white appearance. Using a tongue scraper can be added to your nightly routine as it is simple to use.
4- Limit Tobacco Usage
Smoking or chewing tobacco can cause bad breath, stain your teeth, and reduce your taste buds. Consistent use of tobacco can cause oral cancer and other infections in your mouth. These bacteria and the smell of tobacco can contribute to foul breath. Those who smoke tobacco are at a higher risk for tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, and jaw problems.
5- Properly Clean Dentures, Mouthguards, And Bridges
Removing bacteria or particles from dentures, retainers, or other dental appliances will limit bad breath. The smell of unclean appliances may not be coming directly from your mouth, but these smells coming from your mouth can put off those who are around you.
Your dentist can recommend proper cleaning solutions or tools to help you properly reach all the small spaces. Keeping your dentures or mouthguards in a protective case is an easy way to protect them from dirt and dust.
6- Limit Breathing Through Your Mouth
Dry mouth (Xerostomia) is a contributing factor to halitosis. A decrease in saliva production will result in the mouth not being able to cleanse itself properly. Your saliva is used to remove food particles and bacteria that occur in your mouth in addition to brushing your teeth. Breathing through your mouth can cause your salivary glands to become dry, so limiting mouth breathing can help lower the risk of bad breath.
7- Drink Plenty Of Water
Another way to increase saliva production is to keep yourself hydrated. Drinking water not only helps to keep your mouth wet, but it also flushes out food, bacteria, and plaque that can contribute to foul breath. Drinking water after a meal will help cleanse the mouth of small particles that were left behind and help combat bacteria until you can brush and floss.
Proper hydration is important to all aspects of your health, but it can especially help when you feel like your breath may stink.
8- Avoid Certain Foods
Patients who are prone to bad breath should avoid strong foods with lingering odors. Avoiding garlic, onions, spicy foods, and sugary foods, will limit the lingering effects that cause bad breath. Switch some of these foods for leafy greens, vegetables, and fruits for better oral health.
More About Our Dental Practice
Sunset Dental works hard to provide quality care with a friendly atmosphere to all of our clients. Our dental team provides dental exams and regular cleaning as well as cosmetic dentistry, preventative dentistry, dental implants, root canals, veneers, extractions, and more. No matter your age, our team treats each client with compassion and patience during their dental visit. Reach out to our office to schedule an appointment today!