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Good oral hygiene habits can help you get rid of bad breath. Here are a few helpful tips.

Brushing your teeth

When you brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, you’re removing plaque from your teeth and freshening your breath in the process. While brushing is effective for removing surface-level debris, it won’t get rid of the food particles that get trapped between teeth and gum pockets. That’s where flossing comes in! Flossing allows you to brush the areas of your mouth that a toothbrush can’t reach.

Flossing

If you incorporate flossing into your daily oral care routine, it can help to remove food particles and bacteria from between your teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach. You should floss at least once daily, but ideally, after each meal, to ensure no food is left between teeth.

Some dental patients prefer to use a water flosser over a dental floss threader. Both methods can be helpful in preventing bad breath, removing food debris, and helping to prevent cavities and gum disease. However, water flossers can be especially helpful for patients with braces or those who struggle using traditional string floss. Water flossers have the advantage of being able to clean around brackets with ease, which can help to improve oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment.

Brushing your tongue

Your tongue is constantly collecting bacteria. When you brush your teeth, it’s essential that you also brush your tongue to help dislodge food particles and other debris. This will prevent you from developing bad breath.

Try using a soft-bristled toothbrush or a tongue scraper to remove any buildup of bacteria. A tongue scraper is a plastic tool with a curved edge that is designed to clean the tongue. 

Cleaning dentures or dental appliances

In addition to brushing and flossing your natural teeth, you should take the same care with removable dental appliances such as dentures, retainers, or other mouth guards. You should clean your appliance every day with a denture cleaner and water. When cleaning your appliance, do not use hot water as it can distort the shape and fit of the appliance. You can soak your removable device in lukewarm water overnight, but it will still need a thorough brushing in the morning before putting it back into your mouth. You should also schedule a professional cleaning and checkup twice a year to ensure that everything is still fitting properly in your mouth.

Avoiding dry mouth

There are a variety of reasons why you may have bad breath, but one of the most common is dry mouth. Saliva is important for many reasons, but it helps keep your mouth clean by fighting off harmful bacteria that can lead to bad breath. If your salivary glands are not producing enough saliva, bacteria can grow out of control and induce bad odors in your mouth. This can not only cause bad breath, it can also cause tooth and gum decay. Luckily, there are several things you can do to avoid dry mouth and keep your gums and teeth healthy. Drink more water and avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can contribute to dehydration. Also, eat more fruits and vegetables, which are good for you in many ways. 

Adjusting your diet

Drink water immediately after eating to rinse away food debris and keep your mouth moist. Also, chew sugar-free gum after eating to stimulate saliva production and wash away bacteria. If you’re a smoker, consider quitting, as smoking causes dry mouth and halitosis. Halitosis is also a common side effect of certain medications. Ask your dentist about addressing any medications that may contribute to bad breath. Lastly, stick to a balanced diet and avoid foods that trigger bad breath, such as onions, garlic, coffee, and alcohol.

Regularly replacing your toothbrush

A brand-new toothbrush can remove plaque from your teeth better than a toothbrush that’s already passed its prime. A new toothbrush helps fight cavities and gum disease too. Make sure to replace a toothbrush when the bristles are frayed and worn. You should also replace your toothbrush after you’ve been sick because germs that live on toothbrushes can make you sick again.

It’s generally a good idea to get a new toothbrush every three to four months. 

Schedule an appointment with Austgen Family Dental to learn more about oral care. We are at 1405 W County Line Rd, Suite A, Greenwood, IN 46142. Contact us at (317) 885-6400 or visit our website to book an appointment.