How Do I Get Rid Of Bad Breath? Helpful Tips

Good oral hygiene is essential to maintaining healthy teeth and gums and a healthy body. Regular brushing and flossing can help you prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. Listed below are a few ways to achieve good oral health.

Brush your teeth after you eat

Brushing removes food particles and bacteria that linger in your mouth and cause bad breath. If brushing is not a regular part of your routine, you should make it a habit to brush at least twice each day. Otherwise, the bacteria will multiply rapidly and create an unpleasant odor. However, brushing is not your only tool in the fight against bad breath.

Floss at least once a day

Keeping teeth clean is an important part of achieving good oral health. When food gets stuck between your teeth for too long, plaque can form and cause issues like gum disease and tooth decay. Plaque can also irritate your gums and lead to bad breath. Flossing every day will help you keep your teeth free of residue and bacteria. For the best flossing experience, choose a floss that is easy to use and comfortable to hold in your mouth. Ask your dentist which type of floss is best for you and how to use it properly. 

Brush your tongue

Plaque and bacteria can linger on the tongue and cause bad breath. It’s important to use a soft-bristled brush with a soft head to clean your tongue thoroughly. This will help remove food particles, plaque, and bacteria that can cause bad breath. You can also use a tongue scraper to remove plaque and dead cells from your tongue. The tongue can harbor large amounts of bacteria and can contribute to bad breath. When you brush your tongue, you not only remove all of the trapped debris, but you also freshen your breath at the same time.

Clean dentures or dental appliances

If you don’t clean your dentures properly, they can collect plaque and bacteria that can irritate your gums and lead to bad breath. You should also maintain routine dental cleanings and exams so you can catch and treat any cavities or gum disease before it becomes severe.

Avoid dry mouth

A dry mouth is a condition of not having enough saliva in your mouth. Saliva serves several functions in the mouth, including helping to break down food particles and neutralize acids produced by bacteria. It also allows the mouth to wash away dead cells that accumulate on tooth surfaces while you are sleeping. Without enough saliva, these harmful agents can remain in contact with your mouth, causing bad breath and other oral health issues. Things that can cause you to have a dry mouth include certain medications, salivary gland problems, dehydration, anxiety, smoking, aging, and more. If you suspect you have dry mouth, speak with your doctor about possible treatment and lifestyle changes you can make to reduce symptoms.

Adjust your diet

Good oral hygiene habits are only one part of achieving optimal oral health; a healthy diet is just as important. Foods that are high in sugar and starch can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease by feeding oral bacteria. These bacteria produce acids that attack tooth enamel and cause cavities. Avoiding these foods and keeping your teeth clean can help stop decay before it happens.

Schedule regular dental checkups

When should you get a professional cleaning? It’s a good idea to come in for a routine cleaning every six months or so. Your dentist will be able to remove plaque and tartar buildup from places your toothbrush can’t reach. Plus, your dentist can get a good look at your entire mouth to make sure there aren’t any underlying issues that need to be treated. You might need to come into the office more often if you have gum disease or another condition that should be treated immediately.

Contact Everyone's Family Dental to receive the best dental treatments in Schofield, WI, by calling (715) 803-2535 or visiting us at 2809 Schofield Avenue Suite B, Schofield, WI 54476.