Bad breath, or halitosis, is embarrassing and uncomfortable. It can have a negative impact on your personal and professional life. It can also indicate an underlying dental problem. There are many possible causes for bad breath. Most are related to oral health. Here are a few tips to eliminate bad breath. 

Brush your teeth twice daily

When brushing your teeth, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste that contains fluoride. Use a circular motion to brush your teeth for two minutes. In addition to removing food particles from your mouth, this also helps remove bacteria that can cause bad breath. You should brush your teeth after every meal, if possible. If not, brush them at least twice each day.

Floss at least once a day

Flossing helps remove food particles, and plaque from between teeth and along the gum line, which brushing alone cannot reach. It also targets the harmful bacteria that cause bad breath. It is important to floss regularly to prevent gum disease and cavities.

Brush your tongue

Bacteria and particles often collect on the tongue. The buildup can cause bad breath. To combat this issue, use a tongue scraper to scrape away the bacteria that has collected on your tongue. You can also remove the bacteria by brushing your tongue with a toothbrush that has soft bristles. Keep in mind that you should never use a hard-bristled toothbrush to brush your tongue, as it can cause abrasions on the surface of your tongue.

Clean dentures or dental appliances

Bacteria can build up on your dentures just as they do with your teeth and gums. Because of this, it’s important to clean them daily. Always remove your dentures before cleaning them. This helps to keep them from getting lost or damaged in the cleaning process. Soak your dentures in a cleaning solution overnight to kill and remove bacteria. Rinse them well in the morning before you put them back in.

Avoid dry mouth

A dry mouth is often caused by smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol, or taking certain medications. A dry mouth is uncomfortable and can lead to tooth decay. The saliva in your mouth helps to protect your teeth from decay by washing away food and plaque. With less saliva in your mouth, food particles are allowed to build up on the surface of your teeth and lead to decay. Use a mouthwash that helps reduce dry mouth symptoms. Also, avoiding alcohol and tobacco use can help greatly improve bad breath. Drinking water throughout the day can also help moisturize your mouth and wash away bacteria that cause bad breath.

Adjust your diet

Your diet can have a major impact on your breath. Dental products cannot fully fix halitosis caused by underlying medical conditions or unhealthy eating habits. Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and limiting foods high in carbohydrates and sugar can help improve bad breath by improving your body’s overall health. Drinking plenty of water can also help to keep your mouth moist and reduce the chance of experiencing a dry mouth.

Regularly get a new toothbrush

Toothbrushes simply don’t last forever. They are often made with nylon bristles that wear out after about three months. Your dentist may recommend you replace your toothbrush more often if you use an electric one because the motor may wear out sooner. Replacing your toothbrush regularly means you’ll always have clean bristles doing a thorough job of cleaning your teeth and tongue. In addition, you won’t run the risk of re-infecting yourself by using the same brush bacteria left behind on an old toothbrush can fester and cause bad breath. 

Schedule regular dental checkups

Regular dental checkups can help prevent cavities and gum disease that may lead to bad breath. Your dentist can clean plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth to help prevent cavities and other problems that can cause bad breath. You may need to get professional teeth cleaning several times a year to keep your mouth healthy and prevent bad breath. 

Talk to your dentist about how often you should schedule appointments to keep your smile and breath fresh!