How Do I Get Rid Of Bad Breath? Tips And Tricks

Bad breath, medically known as halitosis, is generally caused by poor oral hygiene. If you don’t floss or brush your teeth regularly, food particles will remain in your mouth, causing bacteria to grow. The bacteria then produce a foul odor. People with gum disease are also more likely to have bad breath. Gum disease causes pockets to form between your teeth and gums. Food particles can get stuck inside these pockets and begin to rot. This produces a foul odor. If you are someone with bad breath, here are a few tips to ease them.

Brush your teeth after you eat

Brushing twice a day is essential for keeping your mouth healthy and free of bad breath and decay. It’s not always possible to completely clean every tooth in your mouth just by brushing it, but the goal should be to get all surfaces as clean as possible. If it’s hard to reach the back of your teeth with a normal toothbrush, then you should look into purchasing an electric toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes have small heads that are able to rotate and clean those hard-to-reach back teeth easily. They are perfect for anyone who suffers from gum disease and tooth decay due to neglect of proper oral hygiene. 

Floss at least once a day

When food gets stuck between your teeth and along the gum line, bacteria have the perfect conditions to start growing rapidly, leading to a whole slew of oral health issues. One of the most common issues associated with poor oral hygiene is bad breath. The best way to get rid of bad breath for good is to floss at least once every day.

Flossing is a crucial step for ridding your mouth of harmful bacteria. The bristles of a toothbrush cannot reach into the crevices in between the teeth and under the gums, so any leftover food particles will continue to breed bacteria and cause foul odors. By flossing daily, you will notice a difference in the way your breath smells and feels.

Brush your tongue

The majority of bad breath is caused by food particles that get stuck between teeth. These food particles are broken down by bacteria in the mouth, and the bad odors are released as gas. Brushing your tongue can help remove these food particles and the bacteria that may be living on them, thus eliminating bad breath.

A tongue scraper is a useful tool you can use to remove bacteria and food particles from your tongue. Tongue scrapers are inexpensive and easy to use. Simply place the tip of the tongue scraper on the back of your tongue and pull forward gently to scrape off any foul-smelling debris. Rinse and repeat until your tongue feels clean. Cleaning your tongue can make a big difference in your breath. Plus, it may help freshen your breath.

Clean dentures or dental appliances

It’s always important to take good care of your dentures or dental appliances. If you wear dentures, be sure to soak them every night in clean water or a denture cleaning solution and brush them every morning with a soft-bristled toothbrush to keep them clean. 

You can also use a water flosser to clean your gums while wearing your dentures. Water flossers have a special tip that is designed to reach between implants, natural teeth, and other dental work you might have done.

Avoid dry mouth

A dry mouth is a condition that develops when the flow of saliva is altered. Saliva is a very important component of oral hygiene because it cleanses the mouth by washing away food particles and bacteria. It can also help neutralize acids in the mouth that cause tooth decay and gum disease. Therefore, maintaining adequate levels of saliva is crucial for optimal dental health. Make sure you drink plenty of water if you have dry mouth! If you suffer from dry mouth, avoid tooth-staining foods and beverages and instead opt for water, milk, unsweetened tea, and sugar-free gum or candy. Also, consider chewing sugar-free gum to stimulate the production of more saliva in your mouth. 

Adjust your diet

Foods that are high in sugar and starch are foods that can contribute to bad breath. They can cause bacteria to build up in your mouth. Cutting back on these types of foods can help you fight bad breath and keep your mouth healthy.

In addition to adjusting your diet, it is important to keep your mouth hydrated by drinking water throughout the day. Drinking water can help wash away food particles and reduce the amount of bacteria and plaque in the mouth that can cause bad breath.

Schedule regular dental checkups

It is important to schedule regular dental checkups every six months. During your visit, we will perform a thorough dental cleaning, examine your teeth and gums for any signs of decay and disease, look for areas in the mouth where plaque is accumulating, check the health of your soft tissues, take x-rays of your mouth to detect and evaluate any potential dental health issues and recommend any treatments if necessary. Regular dental checkups are crucial in maintaining good oral hygiene, preventing tooth decay and gum disease, and improving your overall health and quality of life.

Call our office at 949-209-8889 or request an appointment online. We're located at 25270 Marguerite Pkwy Suite C, Mission Viejo, CA 92692. Our dental office serves the communities in and around Mission Viejo, CA. We would be happy to meet with you to discuss how to keep your gums healthy!