Bad breath, or halitosis, can be an embarrassing condition. It can be caused by a variety of factors. Some foods, such as garlic and onions, can contribute to bad breath. Poor dental hygiene, dry mouth, and gum disease can also cause bad breath. Here are a few tips that will help prevent bad breath and maintain good oral health.
Brush your teeth twice a day
Bacteria that live in your mouth feed on sugar and produce acids as a byproduct. These bacteria are the cause of tooth decay and gum disease by wearing away tooth enamel with acids that are created when sugar is broken down. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day will remove the bacteria and leftover food particles from your mouth and protect your smile from the harmful acids it creates.
Floss at least once a day
While brushing helps to remove plaque buildup from the surface of your teeth, it isn’t able to reach plaque that accumulates between teeth or under your gums. That’s where flossing comes in. When you don’t floss, you leave plaque and food particles to rot in your mouth and cause bad breath. Over time, plaque hardens into calculus and can only be removed by a professional cleaning. To avoid problems caused by poor oral hygiene, you should floss at least once every day. Staying on top of your dental care routine is the best way to achieve good oral health and keep bad breath at bay!
Brush your tongue
The tongue is prone to bacterial growth. In addition to being responsible for bad breath, bacteria on the tongue can also enter the bloodstream and cause systemic diseases. That’s why it’s important to clean your tongue every time you brush your teeth.
Clean dentures or dental appliances
If you have removable dental appliances such as retainers, dentures, and night guards, you need to clean them thoroughly on a daily basis. When you don’t clean your dental appliances regularly, they accumulate plaque and bacteria. Regular cleaning of your dental appliances will ensure that they are in good condition and will help to keep your breath fresh as well. It will also help prevent serious issues from occurring. For example, if your dentures are too worn, you run the risk of developing infections or other problems caused by ill-fitting dentures. If you use night guards, they can become damaged over time, too. Seeing your dentist for yearly checkups will also help ensure that no problems will occur in the future.
Avoid dry mouth
Saliva acts as a natural mouthwash because it washes away dead cells from your mouth and cleanses your palate. A dry mouth creates an environment for bacteria to thrive, which leads to bad breath and other issues. There are a variety of reasons for dry mouth ranging from stress to medication side effects. Talk to your dentist if you experience chronic dry mouth or would like advice on how to keep your mouth moist and comfortable.
Adjust your diet
Foods that are high in sugar can cause tooth decay and bad breath. Eating these types of foods also encourages plaque buildup on teeth. Some examples of bad-breath-causing foods are soda, coffee, onion, garlic, candy, baked goods, and some dairy products like milk and cheese. Also, try avoiding foods that are too acidic since they wear away tooth enamel and cause cavities.
In addition to adjusting your diet, you should drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and help wash away food particles between brushings. Water also helps replenish the saliva in your mouth, which acts as a natural mouthwash and protects your teeth from decay and disease.
Regularly get a new toothbrush
Toothbrushes break down over time. When bristles start to wear down, the brush won’t clean your teeth as well, and bacteria can build up faster. Keep your gums and teeth healthy by changing your toothbrush every three to four months. This timeline allows your toothbrush’s bristles to naturally wear down to a certain point before they become less effective.
Schedule regular dental checkups
Visiting your dentist for regular assessments and cleanings is one of the most important things you can do to prevent bad breath and maintain your overall dental health. Over time, bacteria can build up, and plaque can begin to form on teeth and under gums. This buildup can lead to cavities, gum disease, and even tooth loss. Regular cleanings and exams allow the dentist to identify and address any potential problems before they become serious.