How Can I Permanently Get Rid of Bad Breath? Helpful Tips!

Good oral hygiene can help you prevent bad breath. Bacteria in the mouth cause bad breath. Brushing your teeth, flossing, and using mouthwash all help get rid of bacteria. Here are some helpful tips. 

Brushing your teeth

The number one cause of chronic bad breath is poor oral hygiene. Without proper brushing and flossing, food particles linger in your mouth, feeding the bacteria that cause bad breath. These bacteria produce volatile sulfur compounds that smell like rotten eggs. Brushing and flossing your teeth removes the food particles from your mouth and combats the bacteria that produce bad odors. 

In addition to removing food particles from your mouth, brushing twice a day also dislodges plaque from your teeth and gums. Plaque is a sticky substance that forms on your teeth soon after you eat. Dental plaque eventually turns into tartar if it’s not removed from your teeth. Tartar is tough to remove on your own, so it’s best to have it removed by your dentist during a professional cleaning every six months. If left in place, these substances can cause tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues.

Flossing

Food particles can be left in between teeth, which breeds bacteria. Flossing helps remove these food particles and decreases the amount of acid in the mouth caused by bacterial plaque formation. 

Brushing your tongue

To eliminate bad breath, brush your tongue as well. You can easily do this by holding your toothbrush at an angle and brushing the outer sides of your tongue. The backs of the tongue can also be brushed with a toothbrush or a tongue scraper. Your dentist may also recommend antimicrobial mouthwashes to freshen your mouth and kill bacteria that cause bad breath.

Cleaning dentures and dental appliances

Cleaning your dentures and dental appliances will keep bad breath from developing. However, you should still clean your mouth to prevent bacteria buildup that could lead to bad odors in your mouth. Use a denture cleanser to clean all surfaces of the appliance. Then brush the gums with a soft-bristled toothbrush, being careful not to damage the appliance. This will get rid of any leftover food particles that may be clinging to your teeth and gums. Rinse the dentures before putting them back in the mouth. Your dentist may recommend soaking them overnight in a cleaner as they can be delicate.

Avoiding dry mouth

A dry mouth is a serious problem that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Saliva is important to keep your mouth healthy and working as it should. If you’ve noticed that you’re missing a lot of saliva throughout the day, it might be time to see your dentist and talk about what you can do to prevent it. A dry mouth means that your body isn’t producing enough saliva to do its job. This can be caused by things like medication, smoking, certain medical conditions, salivary gland infections, or being on certain medications. If you notice that you have bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth along with dry mouth, you may have cavities or other oral issues that need to be resolved. Talk to your dentist about how you can prevent dry mouth from occurring in the first place. Ways to keep your mouth wet include chewing sugar-free gum, sucking on sugar-free candy, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding tobacco.

Adjusting your diet

Don’t eat foods that cause bad breath. Garlic and onions are two common culprits. They contain a compound that can leave an unpleasant odor on your breath. However, simply avoiding these two foods won’t solve the problem for good—they both have other health benefits, which you’ll want to take advantage of! Instead, stick to a diet that is rich in antioxidants, which will help prevent bacteria from forming in your mouth. Try adding berries, leafy greens, nuts, and fish to your everyday meals. Make sure to drink lots of water, as well. Water stimulates saliva production, which helps wash away food particles that could cause bad smells. Finally, limit your intake of sugary foods and drinks. Bacteria that cause bad breath love to feed off sugar molecules, so reducing this food source will reduce the number of these bacteria in your mouth.

Getting a new toothbrush

It is important to replace your toothbrush every few months because bristles get worn and frayed over time. Replacing your toothbrush often will ensure that you maintain optimal oral health. 

Scheduling regular dental checkups

Regular dental checkups are an important part of maintaining good oral health and preventing bad breath. During every checkup, your dental hygienist will professionally clean your teeth and assess your oral health. Your dentist will also check for any signs of decay, gum disease, or any other potential issues. If caught in the early stages, these issues can be easily treated and prevented from developing into more serious conditions.

To learn more, you can get in touch with us through online consultation or by calling us, and we'll guide you further. Call (516) 336-4902 to book an appointment at our Hicksville office and (516) 756-0111 for the Farmingdale office.