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Do you have bad breath? It may be the result of poor oral hygiene, genetics, certain medications, dehydration, or something else. Here are a few tips to eliminate bad breath. 

Brush your teeth twice daily

Brushing your teeth properly means brushing for two minutes each time and being sure to hit every area of your tooth surface. While you always want to brush twice a day - once in the morning and once at night - you should use a soft-bristled toothbrush with a medium-sized head to reach all areas of your mouth when you brush your teeth. Use gentle, circular motions to brush each tooth individually, starting at the gum line and working your way around the entire tooth’s surface. Be sure to scrub your tongue or use a tongue scraper to remove bacteria and food particles from this area as well. Your dentist may recommend that you use toothpaste to brush your teeth, but mouthwash may also be effective for removing bacteria and reducing odor-causing compounds in your mouth.

Floss at least once a day

When you brush and floss every day, you help remove food particles that can attract bacteria to produce bad odors. Bacteria also feed on leftover food particles, so it’s necessary to remove them with brushing and flossing before an infection can develop and spread. If you don’t remove the particles, the bacteria can grow on them and cause tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath, and other infections.

In addition to removing plaque and food residue from your mouth, it also helps to prevent cavities by stimulating your gums. When you don’t floss, plaque can build up under your gums, where you can’t reach it with your toothbrush. 

Brush your tongue

Your tongue is covered with tiny bumps called papillae that trap bacteria from food particles and dead cells. This can develop into what we call “bad breath,” also known as halitosis. An unpleasant odor from the mouth is embarrassing and unpleasant to others around you. By brushing your tongue, you will get rid of the debris trapped on the bumpy surface of your tongue. Tongue scrapers can also be an effective tool to remove bacteria and food residue from the tongue.

Clean dentures or dental appliances

Your mouth naturally has millions of bacteria in it, and this can quickly build up on poorly cleaned dentures or dental appliances. It is important to clean them on a daily basis by brushing them and soaking them in a cleaning solution like mouthwash. This will help remove food particles and reduce any lingering bad odors. You should also make sure to clean your tongue as well since the tongue is loaded with bacteria and can release unpleasant gases that leave your breath smelling particularly terrible.

Avoid dry mouth

Saliva is the mouth’s first line of defense against tooth decay and oral infections. A lack of saliva production leads to a dry mouth condition, which can cause bad breath and other dental health problems. Common causes of dry mouth include certain medications, medical conditions like diabetes, autoimmune disorders, cancer treatment, smoking, and dehydration. If you suffer from dry mouth, here are some easy adjustments you can make to your daily routine to help prevent bad breath and improve your oral health.

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help hydrate your mouth. You can also chew sugar-free gum to stimulate your salivary glands.
• Reduce your alcohol and caffeine intake. These substances can dry out your mouth and prevent your body from producing enough saliva.
• Quit smoking. Not only is it bad for your health, but also for your teeth and gums. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about smoking cessation products that might help.

Adjust your diet

Diet is important when it comes to looking after your oral health and for good breath in general. Foods that are high in sugar and starch can collect around your teeth and contribute to tooth decay and cavities. Sticky foods can also get stuck between teeth and on the tongue and lead to plaque buildup. To help prevent bad breath and maintain a healthy smile, try avoiding foods that are high in sugar or starch. Instead, eat more fruits and vegetables and drink plenty of water throughout the day. 

Schedule regular dental checkups

Did you know that most bad breath is caused by poor oral hygiene practices? Regular visits to the dentist can help you maintain better dental health and avoid tooth decay and gum disease. Your dentist can recommend a specific routine that is right for you. He or she can also educate you on proper brushing and flossing techniques to avoid plaque buildup. It is also important to visit your dentist regularly for professional cleaning as well. This will remove surface stains on your teeth that may be causing bad odors. A clean mouth will also encourage healthy saliva production, which will naturally detoxify your mouth and prevent odor.

To find out more about the dental services offered at our dental practice, call (913)-649-0310 or schedule an online consultation. You can also visit us at 5000 W. 95th Street, Suite 300, Prairie Village, KS 66207.