Bad breath has several possible causes. The most common cause is poor dental hygiene. Bacteria and food particles can cause plaque buildup. Plaque buildup can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Other common causes include dry mouth, gum disease, infections, diabetes, tobacco, and dry mouth. Here are a few tips to eliminate bad breath.
Brush your teeth twice daily
The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth for two minutes at least twice per day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. This helps to remove plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth as well as prevent cavities from forming. Brushing the tongue can help to reduce the presence of odor-causing bacteria in the mouth and remineralize tooth enamel. Consider using an interdental brush to clean between teeth as well. This can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Floss daily
Flossing helps to clean the hard-to-reach areas of the mouth where a toothbrush can’t reach. It can also help to remove the plaque and food particles that get stuck between the teeth and along the gum line. Make sure to floss at least once each day and use an ADA-approved product. Keep in mind that if you have dental implants or other dental restorations, you will need to take extra care when flossing around these areas. Speak with your dentist about the best type of floss to use for cleaning around your restorations.
Brush your tongue
Believe it or not, the tongue can also harbor bacteria and break down food particles just like the rest of the mouth. This can lead to bad breath and other oral conditions. When brushing your teeth, make sure to pay extra attention to the tongue and clean it thoroughly. Your dentist can recommend a good tongue scraper for you if needed.
Clean dentures or dental appliances
Dentures are delicate and need to be removed at night to prevent them from being damaged while they sleep. However, they still need to be cleaned daily! When cleaning your dentures, use a denture cleaner that is specifically designed to remove bacteria and debris. Be sure to check with your dentist first to make sure that it is okay to clean your dentures overnight.
Avoid dry mouth
If you suffer from dry mouth, contact your dentist to treat the underlying issue. A dry mouth can lead to tooth decay and bad breath because saliva helps wash away food particles that can lead to cavities and plaque buildup on teeth. Without adequate saliva flow, food and bacteria remain in hard-to-reach places in your mouth and lead to bad breath. You can prevent dry mouth by staying hydrated, chewing sugar-free gum, and avoiding tobacco products and alcohol.
Adjust your diet
Certain foods can cause bad breath. To get rid of your bad breath, you’ll need to change your diet to avoid foods that cause bad breath. The most common foods that cause bad breath are onions, garlic, and coffee. You can also avoid foods like alcohol, dairy products, and spicy foods. These foods and drinks are often loaded with fat, which can contribute to bacteria growth in your mouth, causing your breath to smell bad.
Regularly get a new toothbrush
The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush every three to four months. If your bristles become frayed and you start to see fraying on the neck of your brush, it’s time for a new one. When brushing with a brush that has bent bristles, you won’t be able to clean as effectively, and you’re just spreading bacteria around your mouth. Replacing your old toothbrush with a new one can help you avoid bad breath caused by poor oral hygiene.
Schedule regular dental checkups
Having a professional cleaning twice a year can help remove plaque and tartar buildup that your at-home brushing routine leaves behind. While brushing helps to keep your gums healthy, bacteria can still build up on your teeth if you don’t floss. Routine dental visits can also help identify tooth decay in its earliest stages so it can be treated with conservative options like fillings instead of tooth extractions.
To learn more, contact Impressions Dentistry at 1325 1st Street, Gilroy, CA 95020, or call (669) 327-5623 to schedule a consultation!