How Can I Permanently Get Rid of Bad Breath?

Bad breath can be an embarrassing problem to have, and it can be caused by a variety of factors. The foods you eat, smoking, dry mouth, and even certain medical conditions can cause bad breath. By maintaining good oral hygiene and seeing the dentist for regular visits, you can eliminate many of the causes of halitosis and reduce the likelihood of needing other treatments to get rid of bad odor. Read on to learn more.

Brush and floss your teeth regularly

Brushing twice a day is crucial to maintaining good oral hygiene. You should brush your teeth in the morning when you wake up and at night before you go to bed. This will keep plaque buildup at bay and remove food particles from your mouth. You should also floss daily to remove food and bacteria between teeth that brushing alone can’t reach.

Finally, make sure to keep your toothbrushes clean by rinsing them after each use and storing them in a dry area to prevent the growth of germs. Replace your toothbrush every three to four months as well to make sure it’s working its hardest to keep your gums clean.

Brush your tongue

Did you know that the tongue is one of the primary areas in your mouth that can harbor bacteria that cause bad breath? It’s also a good idea to brush your tongue after brushing your teeth because bacteria and food particles can become trapped on the tongue and cause odor even hours after brushing. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gently scrub the surface of your tongue to remove these odors-causing substances. You can also use a tongue scraper to scrape away food and odor-causing substance on the surface of the tongue.

Clean your dentures or dental appliances

Mouthwash and toothpaste aren’t enough to remove plaque from removable dental appliances such as partials, full dentures, retainers, or mouth guards. This leftover plaque can cause bad breath, tooth decay, and other oral health problems. Plus, it’s harder to reach with a regular toothbrush for a thorough clean. See the dentist every six months to thoroughly clean your removable dental appliances.

To keep your dentures or dental appliances clean and germ-free while you sleep, soak them in a denture cleanser solution or plain water overnight. The next morning, brush them thoroughly with a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove any remaining debris. The dentist can recommend a special type of paste that helps prevent plaque and tartar buildup. Rinse the appliance thoroughly to remove any residue before placing it back in your mouth. And never use hot water to clean your dentures or dental appliances since this can damage the plastic or cause them to warp.

Avoid dry mouth

Saliva provides lubrication for your mouth and washes away food particles. It also helps neutralize smells that may lead to bad breath. If you’re suffering from chronic dry mouth, your dentist may recommend treatments such as artificial saliva or a saliva substitute. Your dentist may also recommend avoiding certain medications that cause dry mouth as a side effect. Additionally, chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugarless candies can help stimulate saliva production when you’re feeling dry mouth.

Schedule regular dental checkups

It’s important to schedule regular dental checkups, not only for thorough cleaning but to check in on your overall oral health. Your dentist will perform a thorough examination of your teeth and gums during each visit to look for signs of decay, gum disease, or other issues that could cause bad breath. If a problem is detected, your dentist can recommend treatment to help prevent worse problems down the road. Regular dental visits also help you prevent costly dental work later on and can help you catch small problems before they become big ones.

If you would like to learn more, speak to our dentist today to schedule a consultation. Visit Caspian Dental Center at 410 Park Grove Dr., Katy, TX 77450, or call us at 832-321-4901 now.