5 Tips for Avoiding Bad Breath

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, isn’t at all uncommon – in fact, one in four people suffer from it daily – but that doesn’t make the problem any less embarrassing. Fortunately, though, the smell usually comes from the gums and tongue; that means that you can very easily treat or even prevent bad breath with good oral hygiene practices. To keep your mouth fresh and healthy, follow these 5 tips from your dentist. 

1. Brush at Least Twice a Day

Harmful bacteria as well as particles of the food you eat will build up on your teeth throughout the day. If left alone, they could easily contribute to bad breath as well as more serious oral health problems such as gum disease. Brushing at least two times every day will get rid of these harmful substances, and the toothpaste will help give your breath a much more pleasant scent. Don’t forget to be thorough; you should be brushing for at least two to three minutes at a time.

2. Don’t Forget to Clean Your Tongue

Many people overlook the tongue during their oral hygiene routine, but bacteria and food residue could very easily become trapped between the various folds and taste buds. You can use your toothbrush to clean your tongue as well as your teeth. You might also consider getting a tongue scraper.

3. Floss Daily

To get rid of food debris that’s hiding in a spot that a toothbrush can’t easily reach, floss between all of your teeth at least once a day (ideally in the evening before bed). You could also use an interdental brush or a water flosser to clean the same spaces if you have trouble using dental floss. Whatever you do, it’s important to get rid of all the leftover food particles in your mouth before bacteria have a chance to feed on them and cause an unpleasant smell.

4. Chew Sugarless Gum

Bad breath is often a result of lack of saliva in your mouth. If you keep sugarless gum on hand and chew on it periodically, you can encourage your body to produce more saliva to clean the teeth, gums, and tongue.

5. See Your Dentist

Sometimes chronic bad breath is a warning sign of an infection or another oral health issue. Visit your dentist right away to rule out an infection or any other serious problem. Regular checkups and cleanings will go a long way towards keeping your breath fresh, since your dentist can get rid of bacteria and food debris in spots you could have missed while brushing without even realizing it.

Taking care of your breath is much like taking care of the rest of your smile.  As long as you give it the attention it deserves and maintain a healthy routine, you can avoid any issues that could leave you feeling self-conscious.

About Bethel Dental

Here at Bethel Dental, our skilled dentists have undergone advanced training in a variety of specialties and will focus on making you feel welcome, relaxed, and informed whenever you come to our practice for treatment. We use advanced technology such as intraoral cameras and digital X-rays to make sure we have a full picture of your oral health during your regular checkups. If you have chronic bad breath, you can visit our website to schedule an appointment.