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Bad breath can be caused by a number of factors, including poor oral hygiene, cavities, gum disease, dry mouth, and smoking or tobacco usage. If brushing and flossing don't alleviate bad breath, see your dentist. Here are a few tips to ease bad breath. 

Brush your teeth twice daily

Brushing your teeth regularly helps keep your mouth clean by removing plaque and bacteria that can cause tooth decay and bad breath. Make sure to brush for at least two minutes each time and use a soft-bristled toothbrush along with toothpaste with fluoride. After you brush your teeth, rinse thoroughly with water to remove any remaining plaque.

Most dentists recommend brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes at a time using a soft-bristled toothbrush along with toothpaste containing fluoride. 

Floss at least once a day

You should also floss daily to help remove food and other debris from between teeth that your toothbrush can't reach. Plaque that is not removed can eventually harden into tartar. Once this happens, the only way to remove it is with a dental cleaning from your dental office.

If you have bad breath even after you floss, it may be a sign that you have gum disease. In that case, you need to visit your dentist as soon as possible for treatment. 

Brush your tongue

A tongue scraper can be helpful in removing bacteria from the tongue. Look for one designed to remove bacteria and food debris from your mouth and tongue. This will reduce the amount of plaque buildup on your teeth. Tongue scrapers typically come attached to a handle for easy use. To use it properly, you should gently scrape the surface of the tongue a few times with each use. Make sure to clean the scraper after each use with hot water or a disinfectant mouthwash.

Clean dentures or dental appliances

Because plaque and bacteria can build up on your denture or dental appliance, it's important to clean them each day. Soak them overnight in a cleaning solution recommended by your dental care provider. In the morning, rinse your denture or dental appliance before putting it back into your mouth. You should also brush your gums, tongue, and palate every morning with a soft-bristled toothbrush before you place it in your denture or dental appliance. This can help remove bacteria and break up plaque buildup that can occur while you sleep.

Avoid dry mouth

While bad breath is most commonly caused by bacteria in the mouth, it can also be caused by dry mouth. A dry mouth is caused by a lack of saliva, and when saliva runs low, food particles remain in your mouth instead of being washed away by the saliva. These food particles can cause foul breath.

You can reduce the effects of dry mouth by drinking more water every day. You should also avoid breathing through your mouth during the day and instead breathe through your nose to help increase the production of saliva. Avoiding tobacco products will also be beneficial in lessening your risk of dry mouth.

Your family dentist will partner with you to ensure a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums for you and your loved ones. Get in touch with Spectacular Smiles at 11500 State Hwy 121 Suite 820, Frisco, TX 75035, or call (214) 407-8012 for the best dental care.