Helpful Tips To Get Rid of Bad Breath Permanently

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing, and using mouthwash are the first steps you should take toward getting rid of bad breath. These steps remove food particles and bacteria that can cause bad breath. Read on to learn more.

Brush Your Teeth Twice Daily

You should brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. Most toothbrushes have a two-minute timer built-in, which should be more than enough time to ensure you brush long enough. You should also set a timer on your phone to ensure you are brushing for two minutes. The ADA also recommends you use a soft-bristled toothbrush, and you should replace your toothbrush every three months. Using an electric toothbrush is also recommended because it improves gum health and removes plaque.

Floss at Least Once a Day

Flossing is important to your dental health and shouldn’t be neglected. Plaque buildup around the teeth leads to tooth decay, gum disease, and eventually to tooth loss if left untreated for too long. Make it a point to floss at least once a day to keep plaque at bay, and don’t miss a day of this important habit.

Brush Your Tongue

The tongue harbors bacteria that feed on food particles trapped in the mouth and cause bad breath. Use a tongue scraper to clean your tongue. Focus on the area where your taste buds are located, and use short, gentle strokes when cleaning the tongue.

Clean Dentures or Dental Appliances

When cleaning your dentures, make sure to brush them daily to remove plaque and prevent bad breath. You should also soak them in a denture-cleaning solution overnight to keep them clean before wearing them the next day. You can remove your dentures before you go to sleep and clean them using a soft-bristled toothbrush and denture cleaning solution. Make sure the solution is suitable for the type of material your dentures are made from. 

Avoid Dry Mouth

Saliva serves a lot of important functions in your mouth. It helps to lubricate and protect your mouth, digest food, and wash away unwanted particles that could cause dental issues. Without saliva, the mouth becomes dry and very susceptible to infection. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help to replenish your spit supply and keep your mouth hydrated and healthy.

If you’ve noticed that you have bad breath, no matter how much you brush and floss your teeth, it may be a sign of dry mouth. It’s important to address these problems as soon as possible so that they don’t progress into something more serious. Schedule an appointment with your dentist to determine the cause of the problem and start working towards a resolution.

A dry mouth is most commonly caused by medication that is taken orally. It can also be caused by aging, cancer treatments, tobacco use, dehydration, breathing through the mouth, sinus problems, diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. If you regularly take medications and experience dry mouth as a result, talk to your physician about alternative medications.

Adjust Your Diet

Certain foods and drinks like garlic, onions, coffee, and alcohol can cause bad breath. However, there are lots of other foods that can help keep your breath fresh by strengthening and cleaning your teeth and gums. Try adding foods like fruits, vegetables, protein-rich foods, etc., to your diet and notice how much better your mouth feels as a result. 

Regularly Get a New Toothbrush

It’s best to replace your toothbrush every three to four months, even if it’s still in good condition. Over time, the bristles wear down and become less effective at cleaning your teeth. A worn-out toothbrush can also damage your gums and cause them to bleed. You should choose a soft-bristled brush that is easy on your gums but gets the job done. 

Schedule Regular Dental Visits

You should visit your dentist every six to twelve months for routine cleanings and examinations. This allows the dentist to monitor your oral health and treat any developing conditions as quickly as possible. If your dentist sees an issue during your appointment, they will create a personalized treatment plan to address the issue.

To schedule your appointment with us, contact Korte Family Dentistry at (402) 489-3115 or visit us at 3901 Normal Blvd STE 202, Lincoln, NE 68506. Our friendly team of dental professionals looks forward to seeing you in our office soon!