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Bad breath, medically known as halitosis, is caused by a variety of reasons. It can be eliminated with good oral hygiene, lifestyle changes, and medical assistance. Listed below are some ways to get rid of bad breath.

Brush your teeth twice daily

Plaque and bacteria buildup can cause bad breath. Fortunately, brushing alone can remove this buildup and stop the bacteria from causing halitosis. To effectively stop bad breath, you should brush at least twice every day—morning and night. This way, you can prevent plaque and bacteria buildup throughout the day rather than just during your morning wake-up routine.

Make sure that you are reaching all areas of your smile when you brush. This includes the inner and outer surfaces of your teeth, as well as the back of your teeth. Also, make sure to gently brush your tongue—this can help remove odor-inducing bacteria as well. Don’t forget to replace your toothbrush every three to four months. This can help you maintain fresh breath and help your toothbrush stay effective as you fight bad breath.

Floss at least once a day

In addition to brushing twice a day, you should also be sure to floss daily. Food can easily become stuck between teeth and in the crevices of your smile. When this happens, it can attract bacteria and cause bad breath. Flossing removes these pieces of food and helps prevent them from becoming trapped and causing halitosis. You should floss at least once per day.

Stay hydrated

Drinking plenty of water is another key way to rid your mouth of foul odors and keep your body hydrated. Dehydration can leave an unwanted odor behind since your saliva production will decrease when your body isn’t getting enough fluids. Staying hydrated throughout the day can help eliminate bad breath while also keeping you healthy!

Brush your tongue

Did you know that your tongue is prime real estate for bacteria growth if not properly brushed and cleaned? Bacteria that grow on the tongue are not easily washed away by saliva, so brushing it regularly is a simple method to prevent bad breath. Tongue scrapers can be especially helpful for people who struggle to brush their tongues. These scrapers help remove food particles and other debris from the tongue while encouraging the removal of odor-causing bacteria as well.

Don’t forget about the back of the tongue! When brushing your tongue, be sure to reach as far back as you can to thoroughly clean the entire area.

Clean dentures or dental appliances

Don’t assume your removable dental appliance is clean just because it looks so. Bacteria can build up on the surface of your appliance just like it can on teeth. You should brush and soak them in denture cleaner daily. If your appliance has metal parts, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to keep them shiny and clean. Don’t forget to replace them every 3-5 years, as they tend to wear down over time.

Avoid dry mouth

Saliva serves many purposes in your mouth. It cleans your mouth and keeps it moist. It also helps you digest your food and fight infections. When your body does not produce enough saliva, you may develop a dry mouth. This can be caused by certain medications or medical conditions. Dry mouth also occurs as a side effect of some chemotherapy drugs, which are used to treat cancer patients. It is a common side effect that goes away once the drug is stopped. However, for some people, the dry mouth can last even after treatment is complete. A dry mouth can decrease your quality of life because food particles can be left on your teeth longer, increasing your risk for cavities. Since saliva is also needed to help you fight infection, dry mouth can increase your risk of gum disease, as well as increase your pain from other conditions like oral ulcers. If you notice that you have bad breath or have sticky saliva after brushing, you may have this condition. Drink plenty of water and try chewing sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production. If nothing seems to help, talk to your dentist about other options for dry mouth relief.

Adjust your diet

A healthy diet plays an important role in maintaining good oral health. This includes eating foods rich in calcium and vitamin D to maintain strong teeth and bones. Foods high in sugar can increase the number of bacteria in your mouth, which leads to bad breath. Limit sugary foods and beverages and drink plenty of water instead. Drinking water can also help rinse away food particles that can contribute to tooth decay.

Schedule regular dental checkups

Visiting your dentist regularly is the best way to maintain good oral health. Your dentist will clean your teeth, examine your mouth for signs of trouble, and screen you for issues such as oral cancer (which can be detected early), gum disease, plaque buildup, and more. You can get tips on improving your oral care at home from your dentist as well. With consistent care from your dental team, you can avoid bad breath and tooth decay altogether.

To learn more about ways to maintain good oral health, visit us for consultation at Shepherd Dental at 915-D N Shepherd Dr. Ste. D, Houston, TX 77008, or contact us for an appointment at (713) 864-3993.