Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be unpleasant and embarrassing. It can be caused by many things. If you are someone with bad breath, here are a few tips and tricks to eliminate it.

Brushing your teeth regularly

Remember to take care of every area of your mouth when you brush your teeth. Spend about two minutes brushing the fronts, backs, and inside of each of your teeth. When you’re done, take a minute to brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth before you rinse.

Flossing daily

At-home oral hygiene habits like flossing are one of the most effective ways to remove bacteria and food debris from between the teeth and along the gumline. When you don’t floss regularly, the buildup of plaque and bacteria can cause bad breath, tooth decay, gum disease, and other health problems. If you have braces or another orthodontic appliance, it is especially important to floss every day since the hardware can make it more difficult to reach all the difficult areas in the mouth.

Brushing your tongue

Your tongue harbors a lot of bacteria because it’s moist. It’s a good idea to brush your tongue to remove these bacteria and freshen your breath. You can use a soft-bristled toothbrush or a tongue scraper to do this. The important thing to remember is to brush the back of your tongue and the roof of your mouth, as these are the areas where most bad breath problems stem from.

Avoiding dry mouth

A dry mouth is a common condition in which the amount of saliva in your mouth decreases. This can result in a bad breath because there is less saliva to wash away food and bacteria that cause bad breath. In addition to causing halitosis, dry mouth may also increase your risk of tooth decay and gum disease because the saliva normally helps wash away food particles and oral debris. Saliva also helps prevent infection in the mouth by controlling bacteria and fungi growth. When your mouth is dry, your risk for cavities can increase by as much as 40%. If you experience dry mouth, try drinking more water throughout the day, chewing sugarless gum or candies to stimulate the production of saliva, trying to sleep with your head propped up on a few extra pillows, and avoiding drinking alcohol and carbonated beverages.

Adjusting your diet

What you eat can have a big impact on your oral health. Some foods can be bad for your breath. The breakdown of compounds in food can generate sulfur-containing gases that can be smelled by those around you. Also, some people’s bodies do not process certain foods properly because of underlying health conditions. This can lead to bad breath and plaque buildup that is difficult to remove.

Try to limit foods that are highly acidic, like citrus fruits and pickles, as well as sugary treats and beverages, such as candy and soda. These can increase your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Limiting these foods can help to improve your breath and keep your mouth healthy.

Regularly getting a new toothbrush

Your toothbrush will eventually wear down from use, and bacteria will begin to build up from the buildup of food particles on the bristle tips. When this happens, your toothbrush is unlikely to be as effective at cleaning your teeth. If you notice that your gums are bleeding or irritated after brushing, consider getting a new toothbrush. You may also want to consider using an electric toothbrush; electric toothbrushes are effective at removing plaque and tartar buildup and will clean teeth better than manual brushes. Some electric toothbrushes even come with timers that remind you to brush for two minutes, ensuring that you don’t miss any spots while cleaning your teeth.

Scheduling regular dental checkups

To get rid of bad breath and maintain good oral health, schedule regular dental checkups with your dentist. Your dentist will be able to diagnose any dental health concerns you may be having and offer treatments that will restore your smile and boost your confidence. For example, if the cause of your bad breath is a cavity, your dentist will fill the cavity to stop the decay from causing any more damage. By scheduling regular appointments, you can maintain great oral hygiene and avoid complications like infection.

To find out more about the dental services offered at Madison Park Dental, call (208) 356-5601 or schedule an online consultation. You can also visit us at 345 N. 2ND E., Suite 2, Rexburg, ID 83440.