Bad breath or halitosis can affect your self-confidence and quality of life. It can also be a sign of oral and general health problems. If you have bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth, you may feel uncertain about what steps you should take to eliminate it.
Luckily, dental professionals are well-versed in the ways you can freshen your breath and ensure your oral and overall health remain strong.
Here are our top 7 ways to combat bad breath:
1. Brush Twice Daily
Dentists recommend that all patients brush at least twice daily using an approved fluoride toothpaste. Brushing helps to remove bacteria, plaque, and food particles that contribute to bad breath.
2. Floss Once Daily
Many patients skip flossing their teeth even though the process takes only minutes each day. Dental floss can access the spaces between teeth and areas along the gumline where food and plaque collect.
3. Clean Your Tongue
Cleaning your tongue is another helpful step in eliminating bad breath. The tongue’s irregular surface can trap plaque bacteria and allow them to multiply. You can use a special tongue scraper or your toothbrush to remove debris.
4. Stay Hydrated
Many patients with bad breath do not drink enough water, which can cause low saliva production. Saliva naturally rinses and cleans the mouth, helping to reduce plaque bacteria.
5. Receive Regular Dental Cleanings
A professional cleaning removes every trace of plaque and food from your teeth and gums. Receiving regular cleanings is a significant step toward improving your breath and your oral health.
6. Eat a Healthy Diet
Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Limit sugary, acidic, and starchy foods. If you have sugary or starchy foods, brush your teeth as soon as possible. If you have acidic foods or beverages like soda and citrus, wait half an hour before brushing to prevent damaging your enamel.
7. See Your Dentist With Concerns
If you have bad breath and these steps do not cure it, call your family dentist for assistance. You may have an underlying health condition that causes your unpleasant breath.
Bad Breath and Your Oral Health
Certain oral health conditions and lifestyle choices can cause bad breath:
- Periodontal disease: Periodontal (gum) disease causes bad breath due to infections in the gums and surrounding tissue. This condition can also cause an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
- Tooth decay: A decayed tooth may lead to bad breath due to the overgrowth of bacteria.
- Dry mouth: You may experience a dry mouth because you are dehydrated, because you take certain medications, or because you commonly breathe through your mouth, as can be the case with chronic nasal congestion.
- Dentures: Food and plaque may become trapped under and around the dentures, leading to bad breath.
- Braces: Similar to what can happen with dentures, braces, and other fixed oral appliances can also cause bad breath.
- Tobacco use: Smoking and using other tobacco products cause an unpleasant odor. Tobacco use is also associated with gum disease.
The Connection Between Bad Breath and Physical Health
If you have chronic bad breath, visit your primary care physician for a thorough checkup. Medical conditions like diabetes, cancer, tonsil stones, GERD, oral infections, liver and kidney problems, bowel obstruction, and sinus infections, among others, can negatively impact the freshness of your breath.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bad Breath
Can mouthwash or toothpaste help me freshen my breath?
Yes, but it does not address the root cause of your issue. Mouthwash can help temporarily freshen your breath, while antibacterial formulations could help kill some harmful germs.
Brushing your teeth with approved toothpaste helps to freshen your breath. However, toothpaste alone cannot solve your issue.
What should I do if I notice that my child has bad breath?
The most common causes of bad breath in children are cavities, poor oral hygiene, and gingivitis. In some cases, food or another object may also lodge in a nostril. Ensure your child receives prompt dental attention if you notice they have bad breath.
Call 376 Dental Studio
Patients with bad breath or halitosis should schedule a dental checkup to determine the underlying cause and create a plan to combat this issue. Fresher breath makes one feel less self-conscious and ready to engage in social activities. Please call our Waltham, MA, office at 781-373-3068 to schedule an appointment today.