Simple Techniques to Eliminate Bad Breath for Good
Bad breath can be embarrassing, but it’s a common problem that affects many people. If you’ve ever been self-conscious about your breath, you’re not alone. Luckily, there are simple techniques you can use to maintain fresh breath and eliminate bad breath for good.
In this post, we’ll go over some of the most effective tips for maintaining fresh breath. From there, we’ll discuss how professional dental help can eliminate bad breath and why it might be a good idea to get in touch with us at the Erin Mills Smiles Dentistry and book an appointment.
What Are Some Common Causes of Bad Breath
Before we dive into the tips, let’s take a quick look at the causes of bad breath. The most common cause is poor oral hygiene. If you don’t brush and floss regularly, food particles can get stuck in your teeth and gums, leading to bad breath. Dryness in the mouth can also cause bad breath, as can certain foods and drinks. Finally, certain medical conditions are sometimes the root of bad breath. As such, it’s important to see a doctor if your bad breath persists even with good oral hygiene.
Tips for Maintaining Fresh Breath
Brush and floss regularly:
The most crucial step in achieving fresh breath is regular brushing and flossing. Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste removes plaque, which contains bacteria that can cause bad breath. The other crucial step, flossing, helps remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth, where your toothbrush can’t reach. This is important because food particles can get trapped in these hard-to-reach places, leading to the growth of bacteria.
Use mouthwash:
Mouthwash is an effective way to freshen your breath and kill bacteria that may be causing bad odors. It can reach areas of your mouth that your toothbrush and floss may miss. Look for a mouthwash that contains fluoride as it can help strengthen your teeth and prevent tooth decay. It’s important to note that mouthwash should not replace regular brushing and flossing as the primary methods of maintaining good oral hygiene. Rather, it should be used as a supplementary tool.
Scrape your tongue:
Bacteria can also build up on your tongue, causing bad breath. Use a tongue scraper to remove bacteria and keep your tongue clean. Using your tooth brush on your tongue is another option too. In fact, some brushes come with built-in tongue scrapers.
Stay hydrated:
One of the most effective ways to prevent dry mouth, a common cause of bad breath, is to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. When your mouth doesn’t produce enough saliva, bacteria can thrive, leading to foul odors. Drinking water helps stimulate saliva production, which helps wash away food particles and bacteria, keeping your mouth moist and fresh.
Avoid certain foods and drinks:
Certain foods and drinks, such as garlic, onions, coffee, and alcohol, can contribute to bad breath due to their strong odors and impact on saliva production. To maintain fresh breath, it’s best to limit your intake of these foods and drinks, or avoid them altogether. Instead, choose foods high in fiber, such as fruits and vegetables. High-fiber foods can help stimulate saliva production and promote good oral health.
How Dental Work Can Reduce and Eliminate Bad Breath
If you are still experiencing bad breath after following these tips, the next step is consulting your dentist. A dentist can help identify the underlying cause of your bad breath and provide treatment to help manage the condition. Here are some of the ways that our dentists at the Erin Mills Smiles Dentistry can help with bad breath:
Identifying the Underlying Cause
The first step in treating bad breath is identifying its underlying cause. A dentist can examine your mouth for signs of gum disease, tooth decay, or oral infections that may be contributing to the issue. They may also ask you about your diet and lifestyle habits to determine if these could be contributing to your bad breath.
Professional Cleaning
A dental cleaning can remove built-up plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums, which can help to eliminate the bacteria that cause bad breath. During a professional cleaning, your dentist will use special instruments to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums. They may also use a special polishing paste to help remove surface stains and leave your teeth looking and feeling clean.
Treatment for Gum Disease
If you have gum disease, your dentist can provide treatment to help manage the condition and reduce the bacteria in your mouth that are causing bad breath. Gum disease is a common cause of bad breath, as it causes inflammation and infection in the gums. Your dentist may recommend a deep cleaning or other periodontal treatments to help manage your gum disease and improve your breath.
Oral Hygiene Instruction
A dentist can provide instruction on how to properly brush and floss your teeth to remove plaque and bacteria from your mouth. They may also recommend using a mouthwash or other oral care products to help reduce bad breath. Proper oral hygiene is essential for preventing bad breath and maintaining good oral health.
Diet and Lifestyle Changes
A dentist may suggest changes to your diet and lifestyle habits that could be contributing to your bad breath, such as reducing alcohol consumption or quitting smoking. Certain foods and drinks, such as coffee and onions, can also contribute to bad breath. By making these changes, you can help to reduce the bacteria in your mouth and improve your overall oral health.
Next Steps: How to Get to Work On Achieving a Minty-Fresh Breath
Maintaining fresh breath is an important part of good oral hygiene. By brushing and flossing regularly, using mouthwash, and following the tips outlined in this post, you can eliminate bad breath for good. If your bad breath persists, be sure to contact us to see a dentist and rule out any underlying medical conditions. With a little effort and attention to your dental health, you can enjoy fresh breath and feel confident in any situation.