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Bad breath, or halitosis, can negatively affect your self-esteem and social life. What you may not know is that bad breath can be an indicator of something more serious.

Brush your teeth twice daily

It is important to brush at least twice a day, for two minutes at a time. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent damaging your gums. Furthermore, consider replacing your current toothbrush every three months or when it begins to show wear. Worn bristles are less effective for cleaning teeth than new bristles. Replace your brush more often if you notice that the bristles have become flattened or frayed. A worn toothbrush can damage your gums.

Floss at least once a day

Be sure to floss at least once a day to keep food particles and bacteria off the surface of your teeth and gums. To properly floss your teeth, gently slide the floss between every tooth and under the gum line. Slide it up and down several times to remove plaque and food debris. Repeat this process between each tooth until the area is clean. In addition to flossing and brushing, be sure to use mouthwash after you brush and floss your teeth. Mouthwash can further remove bacteria and food particles from your mouth, which can reduce your risk for bad breath and other oral health issues. Mouthwash can also freshen your breath by killing odor-causing bacteria in your mouth. 

Brush your tongue

When you brush your teeth, make sure you massage the surfaces of your teeth and gums with the bristles. While you’re at it, give the tongue a good brushing as well. Bacteria and leftover food particles can accumulate on the tongue and cause bad odors. The bacteria can also cause infections and other health problems. If you have a hard time reaching the back of the tongue with your toothbrush, consider getting a tongue scraper instead. They’re designed to reach deep between teeth and into the corners of the mouth. 

Clean dentures or dental appliances

Did you know that your dental appliance can actually cause bad breath? Without proper cleaning, food particles and bacteria can build up on your dental appliance. It’s important to keep your denture or dental appliance clean to avoid bad odor and other oral health issues. Here’s how to clean your dentures or dental appliance:

Remove your dentures and rinse them thoroughly in warm water. Let them air dry completely before putting them back in your mouth. Make sure to rinse your mouth with mouthwash to remove any leftover debris.

If your dentures aren’t fitting properly, it can cause issues with your breath as well. Dentures that fit properly are more comfortable and won’t rub against your gums and cause discomfort that can lead to a foul odor. If you visit your dentist regularly for routine exams and cleanings, they can help you make sure your dentures fit properly and prevent any mouth sores from occurring, which can lead to bad breath.

Avoid dry mouth

When your mouth is dry, your saliva isn’t doing its job of washing away food particles and protecting your teeth from bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. A dry mouth can be caused by certain medications, salivary gland problems, smoking, and inadequate hydration. Dehydration can also occur when you sleep with your mouth open, use alcohol, or take certain medications such as antihistamines. One of the best things you can do to help prevent dry mouth is to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Also, try to avoid medications that contain antihistamines or decongestants if possible. In some cases, your dentist may prescribe artificial saliva to help treat dry mouth.

Adjust your diet

A healthy diet is just as important for a healthy mouth as brushing your teeth regularly and flossing on a daily basis. Foods that are high in sugar and starch can cause tooth decay. They can also increase the risk of gum disease by coating the teeth with plaque. The best way to avoid cavities from these foods is to brush and floss your teeth after every meal. 

In addition to adjusting your diet, you should also drink plenty of water throughout the day. Water helps wash out bacteria that can cause cavities and infections. It also keeps your body hydrated and keeps your tissues healthy. Staying properly hydrated also helps to prevent dry mouth. You should aim to drink about six to eight glasses of water each day to stay properly hydrated and to keep your mouth moist and healthy.

Don’t use tobacco products

Tobacco products can cause bad breath, yellowed teeth, receding gums, mouth sores, decreased senses of taste and smell, oral cancers, and gum diseases. Quitting is the best thing you can do for your oral health. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about receiving counseling or medications to help you quit.

Schedule regular dental checkups

Your dentist will be able to assess your dental health and diagnose any conditions that may be causing bad breath. Regular dental checkups allow your dentist to thoroughly clean your teeth and gums and treat any problems that are affecting the health of your smile. The less you brush, floss, and visit the dentist’s office, the more likely you are to have tooth decay and food particles trapped in your smile. These create the perfect environment for bacteria and plaque to thrive. Professional cleanings help to remove tartar buildup on your teeth that cannot be removed with at-home oral hygiene practices alone. During your routine checkup, your dentist will carefully examine the health of your teeth to detect signs of damage and other potential problems like infection.

Visit SAMIR T. AYOUB DENTAL CORPORATION at 16505 Clark Ave, Bellflower, California 90706, or call (562) 925-2223 for the best dental care.