Six Ways to Fight Bad Breath
Have you noticed the scent of your own breath when you wear a face mask? Does it smell fresh or foul? If you’re wondering how to fight bad breath, Sunrise Dental in Glendale can help! Read on to learn more about how a few simple adjustments in your daily routine can help you stop bad breath, cavities, and gum disease before they start.
Tips on How To Fight Bad Breath
#1: Brush Twice Every Day
The best way to fight bad breath is to keep plaque at bay. When plaque builds up, it causes bad breath, cavities, and gingivitis. Brushing removes plaque and stimulates saliva production, which is important for washing away food debris and fighting bacteria. If you notice a bad taste in your mouth at any time during the day, brush your teeth to prevent bad breath! The more often you brush, the cleaner and healthier your mouth will be.
#2: Floss Every Day
Flossing is just as important as brushing when it comes to removing plaque and preventing bad breath. Daily flossing removes plaque from between the teeth where brushing doesn’t reach. Flossing also strengthens your gums and prevents infections. We highly recommend a Waterpik or other type of water flosser, because they are very effective at flushing out bacteria and toxins from below the gumline.
#3: Brush Your Tongue Every Day
To fight bad breath, you should also brush your tongue every day with a soft toothbrush or scrape it with a tongue scraper. Bacteria like to hide out on your tongue, catching food debris and building up a smelly film. The sulphuric compounds created by the bacteria on your tongue are the main cause of bad breath. Taking a minute to clean your tongue when you brush your teeth will significantly reduce bad breath.
#4: Use Mouthwash Regularly
Don’t give bacteria a chance to multiply—go to sleep with a clean mouth! If you floss before you brush and rinse with mouthwash afterwards, your brushing will be even more effective. Mouthwash can catch bacteria hiding in any part of your mouth and neutralize them. Rinsing with mouthwash before bed also stimulates saliva production and helps keep your mouth hydrated while you sleep.
#5: Drink More Water
Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is a condition where plaque builds up because the mouth does not produce enough saliva. Plaque buildup contributes to bad breath, but plaque can’t build up in a clean, hydrated mouth. Drinking water washes away food debris, acids, and harmful bacteria. It can even remineralize your tooth enamel with trace minerals and fluoride. Water has so many benefits for oral health—make sure you get your eight glasses per day!
#6: Visit Sunrise Dental
Regular professional cleanings also help to fight bad breath. Your oral hygienist can remove built up plaque from below the gumline where regular brushing and flossing don’t reach. You should schedule an appointment for a cleaning at least once or twice a year. Patients with dry mouth, gingivitis, or other conditions may need more frequent cleanings in order to prevent bad breath.
Contact Us
Chronic bad breath could be a sign of halitosis, tooth decay, or gum disease. If your bad breath persists, even after regular daily care, make an appointment at Sunrise Dental in Glendale. We know how to fight bad breath! Our friendly dentists Dr. Timothy Mettler, Dr. Victoria Griego, and Dr. Andrew Mikhail are committed to providing the highest level of dental care. Call 623-487-4870 or email frontoffice@sunrisedentalarizona.com today.
Photo by Kobby Mendez used under Creative Commons license for commercial use 12/01/2020.