Bad breath, or halitosis, can be caused by a number of factors. Here are some things you can do to avoid bad breath:
Brush your teeth twice daily
You should brush your teeth at least two times a day – in the morning and at night before bedtime. This will help to prevent food particles and bacteria from remaining in your mouth and causing bad breath. A soft-bristled brush is your best choice when choosing a toothbrush because it will be less likely to damage your tooth enamel or cause gum irritations.
Bristles that are too hard can wear away your enamel and even irritate your gums. It’s best to choose a brush with a soft, rounded tip and a head that is easy to maneuver in hard-to-reach places.
You should also replace your toothbrush every three to four months or as soon as it starts to show signs of wear. If your bristles start fraying, this will cause you to lose the ability to effectively clean your teeth. Also, be on the lookout for signs of discoloration on your toothbrush. Typically this happens when the toothbrush holder has a dark lining, but it can also occur due to bacterial growth.
Floss at least once a day
Flossing helps get rid of food particles that get stuck in your gums. If plaque isn’t removed regularly it can harden into tartar and irritate gums. Tartar is difficult to remove with normal brushing alone. Flossing daily helps prevent cavities and tooth decay that can cause bad breath. It also helps keep your breath fresh and clean.
Brush your tongue
In order to get rid of bad breath, you must clean your mouth of any food particles or bacteria that may be causing the odor. Brushing your tongue is a simple step that is often overlooked. If you forget to brush your tongue before you brush your teeth, simply flip the bristles of your toothbrush so they face toward the back of your mouth and get to cleaning!
While brushing your tongue is important, be careful not to too hard or be too rough with your tongue, as it may cause irritation of the soft tissues in your mouth. Also, be sure to spend sufficient time cleaning your tongue, as bacteria and food particles build up on the tongue over time. It may take a little effort to get into the habit of brushing your tongue regularly, but doing so will greatly improve your breath.
Clean dentures or dental appliances
Your teeth are not the only part of your mouth that can emit bad breath. Dental appliances such as dentures and retainers can trap food particles and bacteria, creating a breeding ground for odor-causing bacteria. Make sure to clean these appliances thoroughly each time you remove them from your mouth, as leaving them uncleaned can worsen your bad breath.
Avoid dry mouth
A dry mouth can be caused by certain medications and things like smoking and drinking alcohol. It can also be caused by dehydration. Luckily, there are many things that you can do to avoid chronic dry mouth issues.
Keep your mouth moist by drinking plenty of water and avoiding substances that cause you to become dehydrated. You can also chew sugar-free gum and suck on hard candies. Also, avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol, as those can dry out your mouth even more.
Talk to your dentist about other ways to protect your smile from dry mouth and what you can do to keep yourself hydrated overall. Your dentist will be able to recommend the right products for you to use at home and keep on hand for when you are experiencing dry mouth.
Adjust your diet
Limiting foods with strong odors can help reduce bad breath. Avoid foods such as onions, garlic, and coffee/tea. Also, avoid any foods that cause tooth staining, like wine, soda, juice, etc. Dairy products also promote tooth decay and create an environment that allows for bad-breath-causing bacteria to thrive. Reducing your intake of these foods and drinks can help keep your breath smelling fresh and clean!
Schedule regular dental checkups
The American Dental Association recommends that patients have at least one checkup and cleaning every six months to prevent serious oral health problems and bad breath. At these appointments, your dentist will examine your teeth and gums for signs of tooth decay and gum disease. If he finds any cavities or other issues, he can fill them before they progress into more serious problems. However, the sooner you catch these problems, the easier the treatment is and the lower your risk for complications.
To learn more, call (647) 952-6388 or schedule an online consultation. You can also visit us at 1881 Yonge St #403, Toronto, ON, M4S 3C4, Canada.
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