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The causes of bad breath can be due to certain foods, poor oral hygiene, tooth decay, gum disease, dry mouth, smoking, dry mouth, and other causes. Listed below are ways that can help you get rid of bad breath permanently:

Brushing your teeth

A clean mouth is the first step to reducing and preventing bad breath. You should brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste that contains fluoride. At the end of the brushing session, be sure to brush your tongue to remove odor-causing bacteria that live on the papillae surface of your tongue. 

Flossing daily

In addition to brushing, you should also floss at least once per day to remove any food or debris that may be stuck between the cracks of your teeth. When you floss, you are removing plaque from between teeth as well as from your gum line. Your dentist may also recommend a special type of oral rinse that is designed to reduce bacteria in your mouth that cause bad breath. This can also be used after brushing and flossing to reduce bacteria levels even further.

Brushing your tongue

Your tongue is the top culprit for bad breath. It collects food particles and dead cells that can cause bad breath. Bacteria also live in plaque on the tongue, which produces sulfur compounds that cause bad breath. You can avoid this by brushing your tongue when you brush your teeth and gums. Tongue scrapers can also help clean the tongue and remove odor-causing bacteria.

Clean your dentures and mouthguards

It’s important to clean and care for your mouth guards and dentures daily to prevent the growth of bacteria and bad breath. Be sure to remove your dentures at night to let your gum tissue rest and heal. If your appliance causes irritation, talk to your dentist about adjusting it to fit better.

Avoiding dry mouth

A dry mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria that cause bad breath. So, one way to fight bad breath is to stay hydrated as much as possible and drink plenty of water. 

Saliva washes away food particles and neutralizes acids in your mouth. If you have less saliva, the pH of your oral cavity becomes unbalanced, and it is more difficult to wash away food and acid. Acidic foods and drinks, such as citrus fruits and juices, are some of the worst culprits when it comes to creating bad breath because they stimulate the production of acids in your mouth.

Drinking more water also prevents your mouth from drying out and becoming irritated, which can also contribute to bad breath. Try to avoid activities that dehydrate you, such as drinking alcohol and using tobacco products. Instead, drink water and other healthy beverages to stay hydrated all day long. Increasing your water intake throughout the day can help alleviate bad breath.

Adjusting your diet

Drinking alcohol can contribute to bad breath. If you drink heavily, cut back to social drinking only. Also, consider avoiding smelly foods like onions and garlic. If you can’t stop consuming these foods, brush your teeth immediately after eating them and chew gum with xylitol afterward to help remove food particles from your mouth.

To learn more, visit Advanced Sedation Dentistry at one of our locations, Virginia Beach or Chesapeake, depending on your convenience, or call (757) 769-7155 for the best dental care tailored to your unique needs.