Tips To Get Rid of Bad Breath Permanently

Bad breath, or halitosis, is a common problem with many different causes. In some cases, a person's breath may not smell bad at all, but it may be unpleasant to those around them. In addition to being unpleasant, bad breath is also embarrassing, socially isolating, and can cause people to lose self-esteem. Here are a few tips to eliminate bad breath. 

Brush your teeth twice daily

To make sure you're brushing correctly, follow the guidelines from the American Dental Association. Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gum line and gently brush using small circular motions. Make sure to clean both the inside and the outside of all of your teeth. Spend about two minutes each time you brush.

Floss at least once daily

While brushing is very important for your oral health, it cannot get rid of plaque and food particles that are stuck in-between teeth or around dental implants. This is where flossing comes in – it helps to get rid of these unwanted substances that may be causing you embarrassment when speaking with others.

Flossing is a very important part of your oral hygiene routine because it removes plaque and food particles from between your teeth that your toothbrush cannot reach. To floss effectively, take approximately 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers and the rest around your other middle finger. Gently slide the floss between your teeth using your thumbs and forefingers until you feel resistance. Then, curve the floss around the base of the tooth in a C-shape and gently slide it up and down along the side of your tooth to remove bacteria and food particles. Repeat this process for each tooth before moving on to the next section of floss. 

Brush your tongue

A clean tongue will help reduce bad breath caused by oral bacteria. Using your toothbrush or a tongue scraper will remove odor-causing bacteria from the surface of the tongue. Rinse the scraper after each use and replace it regularly.

Avoid dry mouth

If you suffer from chronic dry mouth as a result of medication, talk to your dentist about ways you can manage the issue without damaging your gums. A dry mouth puts you at a higher risk of tooth decay because it allows harmful oral bacteria to thrive. Drinking plenty of water can help stimulate saliva production and keep bacteria at bay. Also, chewing sugar-free gum can stimulate saliva production and encourage your body's natural defenses. If you're struggling with dry mouth, ask your doctor if your medications could be causing the issue. In some cases, you might be able to switch to a different prescription that has less of a drying effect.

Clean dentures or dental appliances

Dentures and dental appliances build up bacteria over time, just like teeth do. You need to remove plaque and food particles and keep them clean. Use a soft-bristled brush to clean them every day. Soak your dentures in denture cleaner every night. This will remove food debris and plaque that your toothbrush can't reach.

Regularly get a new toothbrush

Bacteria and plaque can accumulate over time. Eventually, your toothbrush may be less effective at removing bacteria and buildup from your mouth. In order to avoid bad breath, consider changing your toothbrush every three to four months.

Schedule regular dental checkups

During your checkup, we'll examine your mouth for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues. If we notice anything abnormal, we can recommend treatment to restore your oral health and prevent more serious complications. Regular cleanings and exams are an important part of maintaining good overall health. Call our team to schedule your next visit.

Please schedule an appointment online or call the Dentist in Sacramento, CA, at (916) 481-2001 to have a consultation with Dr. Talluri. We also serve areas including Sacramento 94203, Carmichael 95608, Arden-Arcade 95825, North Highlands 95660, and Citrus Heights 95621.