How Do I Get Rid of Bad Breath?
While bad breath can be embarrassing, it can also be an indication of a much more serious issue. Occasional bad breath is normal (maybe from forgetting to brush in the morning), but persistent bad breath should be evaluated, and the underlying issue should be treated.
Identifying the Source
While your initial thought may be that bad breath obviously comes from the mouth, this isn’t always the case. With that said, food particles, plaque, and bacterial buildup can quickly lead to bad breath. It can also be caused by coatings on the tongue and even acid reflux. During an evaluation, your dentist will determine the underlying cause of the bad breath, so it can be rectified.
Improving Oral Habits
Daily brushing and flossing are the foundations of fresh breath. While it’s imperative that you brush twice a day, it’s also important to brush properly. Take your time and brush for about two minutes in total. You may want to consider the use of a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride. Flossing should be thorough, as the goal is to remove debris that can lead to gum disease and plaque buildup.
Along with brushing and flossing, a tongue scraper and mouthwash can help.
Don’t Overlook Oral Appliances
If you are using dental appliances like a night guard or dentures, make sure to keep them clean. If not properly cleaned, they can trap bacteria and debris. Stick to your dentist’s recommendations for proper cleaning and storage.
Professional Solutions
If gum disease is the culprit, brushing and flossing won’t be enough to resolve the issue. Your dentist may recommend scaling and root planing (deep cleaning). This will help to remove bacteria and debris from below the gumline.
Simple Lifestyle Tweaks
Your bad breath may be due to dry mouth. In order to avoid this, it’s important to stay hydrated and avoid tobacco, alcohol, and excessive caffeine. As saliva helps rinse the mouth and neutralize acids, anything that promotes saliva production, such as sugar-free gum or lozenges, can be helpful.
Cutting back on strong-smelling foods like onions and garlic may also help reduce lingering odors.
Routine Dental Visits Matter
Regular checkups and cleanings are very important to maintain fresh breath. During these routine appointments, your dentist will provide a thorough, professional cleaning of your teeth and gums. They will also check for any oral health issues that may lead to bad breath.
Fresh breath starts with consistent care, and your dental team can help guide you along the way.