How Do I Get Rid of Bad Breath?

Bad breath, or halitosis, is a noticeable odor exhaled through the mouth. It’s often caused by poor oral hygiene but can also be caused by certain medications, gum disease, dry mouth, or other causes. Here are a few tips and tricks to eliminate bad breath.

Brush your teeth twice daily

Proper oral hygiene is essential for preventing bad breath and achieving good oral health. It is important to brush your teeth at least twice each day, along with flossing at least once each day. Using toothpaste with fluoride can also help strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities. Remember to brush your tongue as well to remove any bacteria and food particles. 

Floss at least once a day

Flossing helps rid your mouth of the plaque and bacteria that cause bad breath. Plaque is a sticky film that contains acids that wear away the surface of the teeth. Bacteria in plaque break down leftover food particles in your mouth into acids, which can damage tooth enamel and cause cavities. Removing the plaque from between teeth and along the gum line can prevent bad breath, tooth decay, gingivitis, and gum disease. 

Brush your tongue

Cleaning off bacteria from your tongue is very important to ensure that you aren’t contributing to bad breath. Your tongue collects a lot of bacteria and particles throughout the day, and brushing it can remove these impurities. 

To clean your tongue properly, use a tongue scraper or a spoon to scrape away the plaque. Some toothbrushes even come with a special head that can be used to clean your whole mouth.

Clean dentures/dental appliances

Your mouth is home to millions of bacteria. Most of these are harmless, but some of them can cause bad breath and gum disease. These harmful microorganisms can stick to parts of your denture or dental appliances, such as clasps, the underside of your restoration, and the inside of your cheeks. Wearing your appliance daily allows these unwanted microbes to multiply to an unsafe level. You can clean your artificial teeth and oral devices to keep them sanitary and prevent bad breath. 

Avoid dry mouth

One of the most common factors that cause bad breath is dry mouth. Saliva cleans the teeth and neutralizes the acids that decay the tooth enamel. A lack of saliva can cause gum disease and tooth decay because bacteria build up in the mouth and causes inflammation and infection.

Dry mouth is a common side effect of certain medications, as well as illnesses such as diabetes. It can also stem from dehydration and low blood pressure. Drinking water throughout the day is a great way to stay hydrated and keep your mouth moist and odor-free.

In some cases of dry mouth, the symptoms can worsen without treatment. If you notice your breath smells bad even after brushing and flossing, see your dentist for an appointment as soon as possible.

Treatment for dry mouth varies depending on the cause. If it is caused by a medication, talk to your physician about changing the prescription to one that doesn’t cause dry mouth. If your dry mouth is caused by an illness, it will usually go away when the illness goes away. Your dentist will suggest treatment options based on your condition and help you keep your mouth clean and free of bacteria.

Adjust your diet

Certain foods can easily get stuck in your teeth and gums and give you a bad odor. Here are some ideas to help you eliminate bad breath:

• Avoid eating onions, spicy foods, garlic, and coffee. These foods are bad for your gums and teeth. If you can’t completely avoid them, chew sugarless gum afterward to wash away the odor-causing bacteria.
• Drink plenty of water. A dry mouth can lead to bad breath. Staying hydrated can help maintain healthy saliva flow in your mouth and eliminate nasty smells.
• Reduce dairy products in your diet. Dairy products tend to contain large amounts of calcium, which can produce foul odors when released into the oral cavity. Try to avoid dairy as much as you reasonably can. If you must consume it, drink a glass of water right after.
• Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. Fresh fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of vitamins and minerals that promote a healthy body. 
• Rinse your mouth with water after eating. Remove leftover food particles by rinsing out your mouth periodically after you eat. This will help you prevent particles from lingering around and causing bad breath.
• Stay away from sugary beverages. Soda, energy drinks, and even fruit juices contain a lot of added sugar. This sugar provides the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and can cause cavities. Try switching to sugar-free drinks instead.

Schedule regular dental checkups

Regular professional cleanings remove harmful plaque and tartar buildup that causes bad breath and gum disease. Your dentist may also recommend an at-home oral hygiene routine that may include an electric toothbrush, special toothpaste, mouth rinses, and tongue scrapers. Plaque is the buildup of food particles and bacteria in your mouth, so removing it is key to preventing cavities, tooth decay, and infection. The better you take care of your teeth and mouth, the less chance you have of developing problems that can lead to bad breath and other health concerns. Regularly visiting your dentist ensures that your mouth stays in its best condition so you can avoid many of these common issues and maintain your best smile.

Visit Kevin D Fong, DDS, at 944 W Winton Ave, Hayward, CA 94545, to learn more about oral care. You can also call (510) 783-1572 for an appointment.