Brushing and flossing are the best ways to prevent bad breath. Food particles left in the mouth can decay and cause bad breath. It is best to brush your teeth after every meal and floss at least once a day. Here are a few more tips to eliminate bad breath.
Brushing your teeth twice a day
Daily brushing and flossing removes plaque from your teeth and also between teeth, which prevents halitosis. If food particles are not removed from your mouth regularly, they can decompose and cause bad breath. It’s recommended to brush your teeth for at least two minutes at a time, twice every single day.
You should replace your toothbrush every three to four months to prevent any bacteria buildup, which can lead to bad breath. An old toothbrush will not effectively remove the bad odor-causing bacteria in your mouth. If you’re sick, you should change your toothbrush as soon as you get better to avoid reinfection.
You should also replace your toothbrush after you’ve had a cold, flu, or other illness, as the sickness can linger on your toothbrush and make you sick again.
Flossing at least once a day
When food particles remain in the mouth for too long, it can cause bad breath, tooth decay, and even gum disease. This is because the bacteria in your mouth feed on the food particles and produce waste products that smell bad, and when left to sit on the teeth or gums, they can cause harm to the teeth. Mouthwash alone won’t take care of all the debris and food stuck between your teeth. To get rid of this debris, you need to floss daily.
Brushing your tongue
Tongue bacteria can build up and cause bad breath. This is why it is important to clean the back of your tongue when you brush and floss your teeth. A scraper or a specially designed brush can help with this.
You can also use mouth rinses to help keep your breath fresh.
Avoiding dry mouth
A dry mouth can cause bad breath for a variety of reasons—from eating too many sugary foods to dehydration and even certain medications. If you have a dry mouth, your dentist may recommend chewing sugar-free gum and drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Using a humidifier at night may also help provide moisture to the air you breathe in while you sleep. If you suffer from chronic dry mouth, ask your doctor about switching your medication to a non-dry-mouth-inducing one.
Adjusting your diet
Food particles get caught in plaque and turn into bacteria over time. These harmful oral bacteria contribute to bad breath and cause cavities by feeding on sugars in the mouth. By avoiding certain foods and drinks, you can reduce odor-causing bacteria and maintain a fresher mouth throughout the day. Foods to eliminate include onions and garlic, cheeses, coffee, alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, sugary foods, and more.
For the best dental care tailored to your needs, visit Riverside Tooth Co. at 6886 Indiana Ave Suite B, Riverside 92506, or call (951) 686-2565.