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Bad breath is one of the most common dental problems. In most cases, bad breath originates in the mouth. Here are a few tips to eliminate bad breath:

Brush Your Teeth Twice Daily

One of the most common causes of bad breath is food particles and bacteria that sit on the teeth for long periods of time. When you brush your teeth regularly, you remove these sources of bad breath and get fresher breath that lasts throughout the day. Aim to brush at least twice each day to keep your mouth as clean as possible.

Floss Every Day

Dental floss is another critical tool you can use to fight cavities and gum disease. It’s one of the most basic things you can do to improve your dental health at home. Because if you don’t floss, food and plaque can get left behind and turn into hardened tartar. And that’s not good for your mouth at all! The bacteria from plaque can cause inflammation that leads to tooth decay and gum disease, too. So do your teeth and gums a favor and floss at least once every day.

Brush Your Tongue

While brushing your teeth is the foundation of good oral hygiene, it’s also important to remember to clean your tongue. The tongue collects a lot of bacteria that can contribute to bad breath. Use a soft toothbrush to brush your tongue daily to get rid of this bacteria.

By cleaning your tongue regularly, you can help prevent the spread of bad breath and keep your mouth fresh and clean.

Clean Dentures Or Dental Appliances

If you have removable dental devices, such as partial or complete dentures, make sure to clean and disinfect them every day. Over time, plaque and bacteria can build up on the appliance itself. This build-up can cause bad breath, tooth discoloration, and even gum disease. Make sure to clean your appliance with a denture cleaner and then brush it with a soft-bristled toothbrush. After cleaning, soak your dentures in a denture-cleaning solution. Never use hot water to clean your dentures, as it can damage the devices.

Avoid Dry Mouth

Without saliva to help break down food and neutralize the acids in your mouth, tooth decay, and bad breath can develop. When the mouth is dry, these bacteria can multiply quickly. Rinsing your mouth with water can help remove food particles and keep your breath fresh. Drinking water throughout the day can also add moisture to your mouth.

Chronic dehydration can cause dry mouth because your body does not produce as much saliva when it does not have enough water. Certain medications can also cause dry mouth. Talk to your dentist about these medications and their impact on your oral health. He or she may be able to prescribe a different medication that will not cause dry mouth.

Adjust Your Diet

Certain foods and drinks can contribute to bad breath and worsen your already existing condition. When dealing with tooth decay, sugary drinks should be avoided because they can lead to cavities and further gum disease. You should also avoid foods with strong odors, such as onions, garlic, and spices like curry. Avoiding foods like these will help keep your mouth clean and your breath fresh. Additionally, you should eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins to keep your body healthy and prevent bad breath from occurring in the first place.

Regularly Get A New Toothbrush

Your toothbrush is an essential part of your oral hygiene routine. However, it’s typically recommended that you replace yours every three months. That’s because your toothbrush will become less effective at cleaning your teeth over time due to wear and tear and the accumulation of bacteria on the bristles. When you brush with an old toothbrush, you may actually damage your gums, and lead to tooth decay. So, be sure to replace your toothbrush regularly for optimal oral health!

To learn more about our dental services at Cory L. Crouse, DMD LLC, call 808-487-3033 or schedule an online consultation. You can also visit us at 99-128 Aiea Heights #603, Aiea, HI 96701.