Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be an embarrassing problem, and it can also be a sign of an underlying health problem. Mouth odor is caused by a variety of factors, including poor oral hygiene, drymouth, poor dental hygiene, smoking, and certain foods and drinks.

Brushing Twice A Day

We recommend brushing your teeth twice each day for a minimum of two minutes at a time. The ADA recommends that you brush gently at a 45-degree angle toward the gumline. Make sure that you use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid aggressive brushing. Your dentist may recommend using an electric toothbrush over a regular one. Electric toothbrushes can move more fluidly and clean your mouth more efficiently than manual ones. An electric toothbrush may also be more effective at removing plaque and food particles. If you’re wearing braces, you’ll want to keep your teeth extra clean because food can easily get stuck around the brackets and underwires. You’ll want to brush your teeth immediately after eating in order to limit the buildup of food and plaque. Brushing also improves the appearance of your smile by polishing away stains caused by dark foods and beverages such as coffee, tea, wine, soda, berries, and dark sauces.

Flossing Once A Day

Did you know that flossing can help remove food particles and plaque between teeth that brushing alone can’t reach? Flossing is an essential part of any oral health routine—and it’s especially important when you have braces! When you wear braces, it’s important to floss after every meal to help remove any leftover debris and food stuck in hard-to-reach places between your brackets and wires. By not regularly flossing, you risk increasing your risk for tooth decay and gum disease.

Brushing Your Tongue

To properly clean your mouth, you need to brush all surfaces of your mouth. This includes the surface of your tongue. Using a tongue scraper can help you remove odor-causing bacteria from your tongue and tame bad breath.

Avoiding Dry Mouth

When you’re not producing enough saliva, your mouth becomes dry. A dry mouth not only makes your breath smell bad, but also makes the plaque on your teeth harder to remove, making it more likely that you’ll have tooth decay. A dry mouth can also make you more prone to gum disease because your gums won’t get lubricated and won’t be as effective at protecting you from harmful bacteria. Talk to your doctor about ways to prevent dry mouth.

Many medicines cause dry mouth as a side effect. Your dentist may be able to recommend an alternative medication that doesn’t cause dry mouth side effects. You can also increase your water intake to help reduce the risk of tooth decay caused by dry mouth. Drinking water helps rinse away food particles that may contribute to bad breath. It also helps prevent cavities by washing away the acids in your mouth that produce decay.

Adjusting Your Diet

If you frequently have bad breath and find yourself snacking on foods that are high in sugar, you may want to cut back. While the occasional sugary treat isn’t necessarily going to cause you serious dental health problems, consuming too much sugar can lead to tooth decay—which can ultimately produce a foul odor on your breath. Try replacing those sweet treats with healthier options like fruits, veggies, and cheese. Some fruits and veggies may even help clean your teeth! Also, when drinking coffee or tea, try to drink a glass of water after you finish your cup and ask your dentist about adding sugar-free flavorings to your beverages. These options will cut down on the amount of sugar that comes into contact with your teeth throughout the day, which can, over time, help to reduce instances of bad breath.

Getting A New Toothbrush

You should replace your toothbrush every three to four months. When bristles start to wear down, the toothbrush is no longer effectively cleaning your teeth. The bristles may irritate your gums and no

longer clean between teeth as well. Simply changing your toothbrush every three months will ensure you are getting the most effective brushing.

Scheduling Regular Dental Checkups

Get professional teeth cleaning at least two times per year. Your dentist will clean away plaque and tartar buildup from difficult-to-access areas on your teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach. With professional dental cleaning, your dental hygienist can show you proper brushing and flossing techniques so you can maintain a healthier smile between visits.

Regular dental checkups are a great way to prevent oral health issues from occurring in the first place. During these exams, your dentist will also screen for any signs of oral cancer or other dangerous oral diseases. Early detection and treatment of these conditions is key to maintaining good overall health. 

By scheduling regular teeth cleaning and checkups with our dentist, you can prevent bad breath and keep your teeth and gums healthy. At Sunset Oak Dental, Dr. Volki Felahy provides quality dental care in a comfortable dental environment. To learn more, call our office at 916-435-5111 or visit us at 2161 Sunset Blvd #300, Rocklin, CA 95765.