How Can I Permanently Get Rid of Bad Breath?

Do you have bad breath? Brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting the dentist at least every six months can help prevent bad breath. Read on to learn more.

Brush your teeth twice daily

A quality oral hygiene routine is essential for healthy teeth and gums. Brushing your teeth morning and night can help prevent bad breath and keep your mouth clean. It’s recommended to brush your teeth at least twice a day using a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste. 

You should also always replace your toothbrush every three to four months or after you’ve been sick. Worn-out bristles can no longer reach and clean the tight spaces between teeth. This can lead to food and bacteria buildup that can cause gum disease, cavities, and other oral health issues. We recommend an electric toothbrush for the best results. They’re easy to use and help remove more plaque and bacteria than manual toothbrushes. Electric toothbrushes are also recommended if you have arthritis or any dexterity issues that might make it difficult to use a regular toothbrush.

Floss at least once a day

It is also important to floss at least once a day. Many dentists also recommend using an interdental brush to clean between teeth.

Brush your tongue

Brushing your tongue helps remove bacteria from its surface and rids your mouth of foul breath. However, many people forget this step! Tongue scrapers are another option that is recommended. These handy tools scrape the surface of your tongue to remove bacteria and food debris. They are very inexpensive and simple to clean; just rinse the scraper under warm water after each use. Talk to your dentist about incorporating tongue scraping into your daily oral hygiene routine.

Avoid dry mouth

A dry mouth occurs when your salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva to keep your mouth moist and comfortable. This happens due to several reasons, such as dehydration, stress, smoking, and sleeping with your mouth open. Saliva plays an important role in keeping bad breath at bay by neutralizing odor-causing bacteria. Therefore, if you suffer from dry mouth, you are more likely to have bad breath. So, adopting certain lifestyle changes can be helpful in getting rid of them. These include keeping yourself well hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other fluids, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, cutting down on caffeine intake, etc. If the cause of your dry mouth is a health condition, you will have to consult your physician to figure out the right remedy. If your condition is temporary, adopting these lifestyle changes can help you combat the problem to a certain extent. Moreover, you can use over-the-counter medications like mouthwash. However, if these fail to help, it is best to visit your dentist, who will be able to recommend the best course of action for you. In some cases, it can be necessary to use a prescription-strength mouthwash to keep your breath fresh and healthy.

Get a new toothbrush

The American Dental Association recommends replacing your brush every two to three months and sooner if the bristles are frayed. Worn-out brushes won’t clean teeth as well and may even cause gum damage.

Schedule regular dental checkups

Seeing a dentist at least once a year will help keep your teeth and gums healthy and clean and get rid of bad breath. Your dentist can help monitor your oral health and any changes in your gums or teeth over time. This will help diagnose any problems early on before they get worse.

To learn more about our dental services or to schedule your appointment with our Dentist in Colorado Springs, CO, call us at (719) 374-5496 or visit our dental office located at 1359 Interquest Pkwy Suite 100, Colorado Springs, CO 80921.