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How Can I Permanently Get Rid of Bad Breath?

Posted by Healing Wings Dental Apr 30,2023

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Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be a sign of an unhealthy mouth. Halitosis can stem from poor oral hygiene, cavities, gum disease, dry mouth, or from underlying health problems. Here are a few tips to eliminate bad breath. 

Brush your teeth twice daily

You should brush your teeth once in the morning and again at night. Brushing removes the plaque that builds up on teeth throughout the day. Plaque causes gum disease and tooth decay. Get toothpaste with fluoride to help strengthen your enamel and prevent cavities. Replace your toothbrush every three months or when the bristles are frayed. You may need to replace your brush sooner if the bristles become discolored.

The ADA recommends using a soft-bristled toothbrush to adequately clean your teeth without causing irritation. Use gentle strokes to clean the surfaces of the teeth and the gums. Remember to brush the insides of your teeth as well. 

Floss daily

Tooth decay and gum disease are two of the most common causes of bad breath. In advanced stages, these infections can cause an unpleasant smell that no one else will be able to miss. It's best to prevent these problems before they happen by brushing your teeth twice per day and flossing once per day.

Brush your tongue

Your tongue harbors bacteria that produce sulfur compounds that cause bad breath. When you don't brush your tongue, those substances stay in your oral cavity for hours and intensify the odor of your bad breath. Tongue scrapers are effective tools that physically remove bacteria and food particles from your tongue. 

Clean dentures or dental appliances

If you've recently been fitted for new dentures or your dental appliance is loose or broken, it's important to contact your dentist right away to get it repaired. Otherwise, decay and other problems can occur. Letting your provider know right away if you're experiencing pain or discomfort can also help them find the source of your pain faster.

Avoid dry mouth

A dry mouth can cause bad breath because saliva helps clean the mouth and wash away food particles and bacteria. When your mouth is dry, it can become uncomfortable and lead to bad breath. Here are some ways you can get rid of dry mouth:

  • Drink more water throughout the day. If you don't drink enough water during the day, you may experience a dry mouth at night while you sleep. Also, avoid beverages like coffee and alcohol that dry out the mouth.
  • Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, particularly ones that are high in water content, such as cucumbers, celery, apples, carrots, melons, and tomatoes. These foods can help replenish the fluids you lose by drinking other beverages and eating foods that cause dehydration.
  • Chew sugar-free gum. Chewing gum stimulates the production of saliva in your mouth. Be sure to pick a sugar-free variety to avoid cavities, though. Drinking water after chewing a piece of sugarless gum can also help keep your mouth feeling hydrated.
  • Stop smoking or using tobacco products. Smoking causes dry mouth, and most smokers experience chronic dry mouth. If you smoke or use tobacco products, talk to your dentist about getting help to stop.
  • Speak with a doctor about medications that can cause dry mouth. Some medications reduce the flow of saliva in the mouth, causing a dry mouth. 

Regularly get a new toothbrush

A toothbrush will lose its effectiveness over time. Dentists recommend a new toothbrush every three to four months. 

Schedule regular dental checkups

You can visit your dentist regularly to make sure that your bad breath is not due to an underlying problem such as periodontal disease. When you visit the dentist, they will carefully examine your mouth and teeth for signs of decay or other problems that can cause bad breath. They will also clean bacteria from above and below the gumline as well as between teeth and along the gumline using special instruments. This will help get rid of the bacteria and plaque that build up in these areas and cause bad breath. Regular visits will also help identify problems before they can worsen. This can help save you money in the long run by preventing poor oral health and costly treatments down the road. You can schedule your next visit with your dentist today!

Schedule a visit with our team at the office of Healing Wings Dental at 4101 West Green Oaks Blvd Suite 317, Arlington 76016, or call (972) 213-0202. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

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