Posted by Larry Leonakis on May 6 2023, 11:17 PM
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is an embarrassing condition that few people feel comfortable talking about. Unfortunately, most people experience bad breath at some point in their life. However, if bad breath is persistent, it can be a sign of an underlying issue. Here are a few tips to eliminate bad breath.
Brushing teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is recommended for everyone, no matter their age. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean all surfaces of the mouth, including behind the teeth and along the gumline. If you brush twice a day, you will likely be removing bacteria and food debris from your mouth before it has the chance to contribute to bad breath.
In addition to keeping your teeth clean, you should also be sure to regularly replace your toothbrush every three months. A toothbrush that is worn or broken is more likely to make your gums bleed when you brush it, which can contribute to bad breath.
You should also consider using toothpaste with antibacterial properties in order to further protect your mouth against harmful bacteria that could lead to bad breath. Some mouthwashes also have antibacterial properties and can help reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth.
There are two main reasons why you should floss every day: to remove food and plaque and to prevent gum disease. Food that is stuck between teeth can cause bad breath and lead to tooth decay. Plaque buildup can also cause cavities, bad breath, tooth discoloration, and gum disease. However, flossing alone is not enough to combat gum disease. Regular visits to the dentist for cleanings and checkups are also essential in the fight against gingivitis.
People who wear dentures or who have dental appliances such as retainers are advised to remove them and clean them each day. Soak them in denture cleaning solution or water overnight and then brush and rinse them before putting them back in. Dental appliances should be cleaned daily because they can be breeding grounds for bacteria and food particles that result in bad breath.
Drink water throughout the day to keep your mouth hydrated and prevent dry mouth and bad breath. Staying adequately hydrated is also helpful in preventing other oral infections. Chew a piece of sugar-free gum after a meal to stimulate the production of saliva in the mouth. This will help wash away remaining food particles and bacteria that contribute to oral health problems such as gum disease and tooth decay.
Certain foods can contribute to bad breath and should be limited as part of a healthy oral hygiene routine. Some foods and beverages that can cause foul breath include garlic, onions, spicy food, citrus fruits, coffee, and alcohol. Avoid eating these types of foods if you are concerned about bad breath.
Most people forget to brush their tongues. However, you should still do this because it can get rid of bad breath and prevent it from coming back in the future.
The back of the tongue is where many bacteria hide. When you don’t brush this area thoroughly, it can lead to bad odors coming from your mouth. You should start at the back of your tongue and then move to the front. Tongue scrapers can help you remove food debris and plaque that get trapped at the back of your tongue.
Good oral hygiene habits can be important for avoiding bad breath. You also need to visit your dentist regularly for routine cleanings. They will remove any plaque buildup from your teeth. They will also examine your mouth to check for signs of gum disease or other issues that can lead to bad breath. If they discover a problem that needs to be treated, they can create a treatment plan for you.
G. Larry Leonakis, DDS, provides regular checkups and treatments and provides patients with the information to make their best decisions. Visit us at 371 S Roop St, Carson City, NV 89701, contact us at (775) 882-0635, or visit our website https://www.drlarrydds.com for further information.
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