How Do I Get Rid Of Bad Breath? Helpful Tips

Good oral hygiene is important to your overall health and well-being. Dental problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease, can lead to other health problems, such as infection, heart disease, and diabetes. Good oral hygiene practices include brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting the dentist every six months. Read on to learn more. 

Brushing

What is the correct way to brush my teeth? You should brush your teeth for at least two minutes each time you brush. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against your gum line and use gentle back-and-forth strokes for the outer surfaces of your teeth. Move the brush vertically along the sides of your teeth. Brush the inside surfaces of the upper and lower front teeth using short, circular strokes. Gently hold the brush flat against the biting surfaces of your molars, and move the brush in a circular motion. Replace your toothbrush about every three months or earlier if the bristles become frayed. The American Dental Association recommends replacing toothbrushes after you have been sick. You should also replace your toothbrush if you lose it to avoid transmitting bacteria from your mouth to others.

Flossing

Plaque and food particles can build up between teeth and along the gumline. These areas can be difficult to reach with a toothbrush and should be cleaned properly with dental floss. Dental floss will get rid of plaque from between the teeth and prevent cavities and gum disease.

Extra Care should be taken for patients who wear braces or have dental restorations such as crowns or bridges. For these dental appliances, we recommend using dental floss threaders or super floss to remove food debris and keep teeth and gums healthy.

Tongue Cleaning

Did you know that your toothbrush can only reach about two-thirds of the surface of your tongue? The best way to clean your entire tongue is to brush it with a tongue scraper or a toothbrush that has soft bristles on one end and a stiff-bristled end on the other. 

Take Care of Your Diet

In addition to brushing and scraping your tongue, you want to make sure you are maintaining good oral hygiene habits to keep bad breath at bay. Your diet plays a large role in your oral health, so it is important to avoid eating foods high in sugar, as this creates an ideal environment for bad bacteria to grow. Some foods that cause bad breath include onions, garlic, spicy foods, coffee, alcohol, aged cheeses, and certain spices. It is always a good idea to schedule routine dental cleanings and exams so you can maintain great oral and overall health.

Clean Your Dentures and Dental Appliances

If you do have removable teeth such as dentures, it is important to clean them regularly. The mouth provides the perfect environment for bacteria to grow, so cleaning your mouth is essential to prevent bad breath by keeping the bacteria to a minimum and allowing your gums to heal. Brush your dentures daily and clean them with denture cleaners to ensure they stay in good shape. Your dentist might recommend soaking them in a denture cleaning solution to disinfect them since it is difficult to completely remove odors from dentures.

Schedule Regular Dental Checkups

Your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings if your oral health is poor. For example, you may need to visit the dentist every three or four months if you have gum disease. If you don’t practice regular oral hygiene and keep up with your dental visits, you may develop bad breath, cavities, or other problems. Regular visits to the dentist are very important because they help your dentist spot and treat any problems early before they become more serious and harder to treat. Regular dental appointments should include an exam, teeth cleaning, and an oral cancer screening. At these examinations, we will inspect your teeth and gums for any signs of decay, infection, and other health problems such as diabetes.

Trailhead Dental, located in Wheat Ridge, CO, is equipped with the latest technologies and modern amenities that enable the best dental care facilities for patients. If you have any additional questions, feel free to give us a call at (720) 242-6803. We’re always happy to help!