7 Ways to Banish Bad Breath for Good

7 Ways to Banish Bad Breath for Good

Team General Dentistry

From bad first impressions to scaring away your friends, there are many issues that can be caused by bad breath. While using gum and mints can temporarily take away the foul odor, the unpleasant breath will come back soon enough. Millions of people deal with bad breath issues on any given day. From coffee and cigarettes to food, many factors can cause this bad breath. And with poor oral health regimens, bad breath is a common issue for many people. While many of us have tried eliminating this issue, it’s not an easy mountain to climb. In this post, we’ll discuss 7 ways to take away your bad breath for good, including who to call to ensure your oral health is in tip-top shape.


Brush and Floss More Often


A common culprit to your bad breath issue might be due to your lack of brushing and flossing. To help limit bad breath, be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day and to floss at least once a day. In addition, it’s important to brush and floss properly. Plaque is usually the reason you have bad breath because it collects bacteria. From trapped food to the buildup of plaque, brushing and flossing regularly and correctly can help.


Scrape Your Tongue


Although this step might gross people out, it’s a great tactic to eliminating that troubling bad breath. Tounge scraping is less popular than it once was, but it is a sure way to limit terrible breath. The coating on the top of your tongue is a breeding ground for bacteria. That being said, be sure to brush your tongue thoroughly with your toothbrush, or buy a tongue-scraping device for a more effective approach.


Eliminate Tobacco Use


While tobacco use is terrible for your health, it’s also terrible for your breath. From the damage to your gums to staining your teeth, it is very common for tobacco use to lead to bad breath. If you need help with quitting, consult with your doctor about your treatment options. Once you quit using tobacco, you’ll start to notice many improvements with your health—including better breath.


Improve Your Gum Health


Gum disease is another culprit of bad breath. While many people think that brushing their teeth is the best practice for this issue, your gums are equally as important. That being said, it’s best to also brush your gums and consult with your dentist about other ways to ensure optimal gum health.


Use Mouthwash


Brushing and flossing are the first defenses in limiting bad breath, but mouthwash can also add another layer of protection. While leaving your breath feeling refreshed, mouthwash also helps to get rid of bacteria that can cause gum disease, cavities, and ultimately—bad breath. Be sure to choose a mouthwash that’s focused on killing germs that cause bad breath, and be sure to use the mouthwash daily for effective results.


Stay Away from Certain Foods


The sad truth is, many foods aren’t very helpful when trying to establish pleasant breath. If you struggle with bad breath, it’s best to look at your diet and determine if any foods are causing the foul odor. Onions and garlic are huge offenders when it comes to bad breath, and brushing and flossing seem to do nothing to help the smell. The best way to stop the problem involves not eating these foods, or choose to eat them when you don’t necessarily care about your breath afterward.


Ensure Routine Dental Checkups


One very important measure you can take against bad breath involves routinely visiting your dentist. These professionals can usually find if anything in particular is causing your bad breath, like a cavity, infection, tooth decay, etc. They can also give you specific details on how to limit bad breath, including treatment plans focused on your personalized needs.

For more information on how to eliminate your bad breath, or to make an appointment with one of the best dentists in the Morgan Hill, CA area, then be sure to contact Floss Family dentistry today!