Bad Breath? Try These 6 Methods
No one is ever pleased to hear that their breath smells bad. Depending on who you are around, it can be downright humiliating. Besides, you told our Portage, MI, dentist that you brush and floss every day so what could you be missing?
When it comes to a , however, you may need to consider more than just your daily oral hygiene routine. Sure, that’s part of it, but not always the sole cure.
Keep reading to learn more about 6 tips you can try to .
1. Adjust Your Diet
Certain foods like garlic, onions, dairy, canned tuna, and more are known for causing foul breath. If you know you consume a fair amount of these items regularly, your diet could be a contributing factor to your mouth’s odor.
While it’s not possible to change your diet overnight, you can start by limiting how much you eat. You may also want to consider using sugar-free gum or mints after eating these types of items if thoroughly brushing your teeth is not an immediate option.
2. Switch Up Your Toothbrush Every 3-4 Months
Unfortunately, your toothbrush is not meant to last forever. It must be swapped out for a new one eventually. If you’re not sure when you should upgrade, a good rule of thumb is to change your toothbrush every 3-4 months or once it has become frayed. This way it will be the most effective at keeping bad breath at bay.
It’s also wise to buy a new toothbrush after you have been sick. Germs could still be present on the brush itself which can put you at risk for reinfection. So, Dr. Paul recommends you ditch the old toothbrush and pick out a new one if you’ve recently had a cold.
3. Integrate Mouthwash Into Your Routine
Mouthwash is best used in conjunction with daily brushing and flossing. This is because, according to the American Dental Association (ADA), mouthwash can reach areas of your mouth that your toothbrush can’t. Your risk of cavities and gum disease is then reduced.
Using mouthwash before or after you brush your teeth does not matter. If you prefer to swish a little around after you’re done brushing, go for it. One thing Dr. Paul does suggest choosing is a mouthwash with an ADA seal because this means the product has been proven safe and effective.
4. Keep Your Mouth Hydrated
Dry mouth has the potential to be more than just annoying. In fact, if there is not enough regular saliva generated, dry mouth can lead to increased plaque, tooth decay, gum disease, mouth sores, and more. Oftentimes, patients experience this condition because of medication they are taking, age, or tobacco use.
To help with dry mouth, Dr. Paul recommends you drink plenty of water, consider chewing on sugarless gum to stimulate saliva, and visit our Portage dental office regularly for a teeth cleaning every six months. When you’re in, we’ll be able to better monitor your dry mouth and make sure no issues arise.
5. Brush Your Tongue
Many people only think to brush their teeth, but the tongue should not be forgotten. Your tongue can hold on to a fair amount of bacteria and contribute to mouth odor so be sure to tend to it every time you brush your teeth.
Try brushing your tongue back and forth, side to side, and be sure to rinse your mouth with water. There’s no need to “over brush”. If you do, you can risk breaking the skin and that’s not the most pleasant to deal with.
Brushing not working as well for you? Dr. Paul also suggests using tongue scrapers. Both preventive dental tools are helpful in reducing bad breath.
6. Visit Our Office For a Dental Checkup
Dr. Paul is a huge advocate for regular dental checkups and cleanings. By regular, we typically mean every six months although every patient is different. During these appointments, we will:
- Evaluate your overall health and oral hygiene
- Check your bite and jaw
- Screen for oral cancer
- Assess health of gum tissues
- Clean your teeth thoroughly
- Take dental x-rays if you’re due for them
If you are concerned with your bad breath and feel as though at-home oral hygiene alone is not helping, Dr. Paul can examine your mouth and offer advice. We want you to feel your most confident and be at your healthiest so please do not hesitate to ask.
We Can Help You Fight Bad Breath
Have you been struggling with embarrassing mouth odor? Our dentist in Portage, MI, stands by the six methods listed above and wants to help you achieve fresh breath. If bad breath is negatively affecting your life, call Courtside Dental at (269) 327-1011 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.
This blog post has been updated.