How Do I Get Rid Of Bad Breath?

Bad breath, or halitosis, can be caused by a number of issues. To get rid of bad breath, you'll need to treat the problem that's causing it. Read on for tips and tricks for treating bad breath.

Brush your teeth after you eat

Brushing your teeth helps remove food debris and bacteria from your mouth that can cause bad breath. It also helps stimulate your gums and teeth to keep them healthy and clean. This can help prevent morning breath and prevent tooth decay, and cavities. Be sure to brush for at least two minutes each time. We recommend using an electric toothbrush with a built-in two-minute timer to make sure you brush long enough. If your brushing routine needs improvement, consider scheduling an appointment with your dentist to discuss other potential causes of bad breath and steps you can take to treat it.

Floss at least once a day

To avoid bad breath and plaque buildup, you must floss every day. This is the most common recommendation that patients receive at a dental office when it comes to taking care of their teeth and gums. However, it is one that isn't always easy to keep up with, especially when life gets busy. Make it a point to floss at least once per day – ideally right before going to bed at night. This is the time that food particles will have the most time to sit on top of teeth as you aren't eating anything quite yet when you go to bed. By flossing before you go to sleep, you are ensuring that food particles are removed before they can do any harm to your pearly whites.

Brush your tongue

You should brush your tongue when you brush your teeth. This ensures that you remove bacteria that cause bad breath from your mouth. Tongue scrapers are a good option for cleaning the tongue.

Clean dentures or dental appliances

If you have dentures or a dental appliance, make sure to clean them regularly. Dentures should also be cleaned by your dentist at your regular dental checkup. Your dentist may recommend that you soak your dentures overnight in a special solution that helps to remove bacteria. If your denture has metal clasps, they may need to be replaced if they show signs of wear. Consult with your dentist about the best options for keeping your dentures clean and in good repair.

Avoid dry mouth

A dry mouth may be caused by medications like antihistamines, antidepressants, and decongestants. It can also be caused by cancer treatments or radiation therapy. Other causes of dry mouth include dehydration, stress, smoking, a diet high in sugar or acidic foods, and breathing with your mouth open.

If you have a dry mouth, you are at risk for tooth decay and gum disease. Your dentist may recommend an oral rinse that increases saliva flow. Sometimes a special rinse containing enzymes is used to help break down plaque on the teeth.

Adjust your diet

Some foods can cause bad breath, such as onions, garlic, and coffee. Minimize these foods in your diet for a healthier mouth.

Regularly get a new toothbrush

Plaque and bacteria can build up on toothbrushes, just like teeth. After brushing for two to three months, replace the brush with a new one that has soft bristles. You should also replace your toothbrush after you've been sick to prevent re-infection.

Schedule regular dental checkups

A dentist can help you discover the cause of your breath issues and help you develop a plan for improvement. Regular checkups can also help your dentist identify cavities and other issues that can contribute to bad breath. Early treatment of these issues can prevent them from worsening and causing more odor problems.

To learn more, please schedule an appointment online or call us at (480) 838-8558 and have a consultation with Dr. Christopher Payne. We will be happy to help.