Good breath (or fresh breath) is essential to having good oral health. Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly helps remove food particles and plaque from your mouth. Here are a few more tips to eliminate bad breath. 

Brushing your teeth

When you brush your teeth, make sure you brush them for at least two minutes each time. It’s also a good idea to use a timer so you know how long you have been brushing. Make sure you use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride helps to strengthen enamel and prevent tooth decay. Replace your toothbrush every three months or sooner if it shows signs of wear.

You should also make sure to clean all parts of your mouth when you brush. This includes the insides of your cheeks, the tops and bottoms of your teeth, the gum line, and the back of your tongue. Bacteria can hide in these areas and cause bad breath.

Floss your teeth

Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between the teeth and below the gum line. If you don’t floss, you are at a higher risk of developing gum disease. You should floss at least once a day. When flossing, make sure to go up and down the side of each tooth, as well as between each tooth. 

Scrape your tongue

After you brush and floss, it is also a good idea to gently scrape your tongue with a scraper or a toothbrush. This will remove food particles that can get stuck and lead to bad breath. Try to do this every time you brush, as it will help to keep your breath smelling fresh throughout the day.

Avoiding dry mouth

Saliva is your body’s natural way of cleansing your mouth of odor-causing bacteria. When you don’t produce enough saliva, food particles and dead cells can build up in your mouth. A dry mouth also makes you more vulnerable to gum disease and tooth decay. Some medications – including antihistamines, decongestants, blood pressure medication, pain medication, diuretics, and antidepressants – can increase your risk of dry mouth. Talk with your doctor about alternatives to these medications or other ways to combat dry mouth. You can also sip water throughout the day to moisten your mouth and prevent bad breath. You should also avoid tobacco and alcohol, which dry out your mouth and encourage the growth of plaque.

Adjusting your diet

Eliminating bad breath begins with making healthy choices when it comes to food and drink. If you suffer from chronic bad breath due to poor oral hygiene habits, food particles and bacteria build up in your mouth throughout the day. By simply adjusting what you eat and drink you can prevent foul odor from negatively impacting your life. Foods that are known to cause persistent bad breath include garlic, onions, spicy foods, coffee, sports drinks, alcohol, and cigarettes. Limiting these substances will greatly reduce your chances of suffering from halitosis while eating healthier foods can promote a healthy mouth.

To learn more about our dental services, contact Summit Denture Clinic at 130 - 2881 Garden Street, Abbotsford, BC V2T 4X1, or call (604) 776-2881. We also serve areas including Maple Ridge: V2W 0A1, V2W 0A2, V2W 0A3, V2W 0A4, V2W 0A5.