How To Prevent Bad Breath? Helpful Tips And Tricks

Bad breath, or halitosis, is an unpleasant odor coming from the mouth. Although it is often temporary, chronic bad breath could be a sign of an underlying oral health issue. If you have bad breath, here are a few tips from the Dentist in Sun City, AZ, to ease them.

Brush and floss regularly

As per the Dentist in Sun City, AZ, you should brush your teeth at least twice every day for two minutes each time. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush that is in good condition. Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, sooner if the bristles are frayed. Use toothpaste with fluoride in it to help strengthen tooth enamel and prevent decay. For optimal results, use an electric toothbrush.

The American Dental Association recommends flossing once daily. If you have twice-daily brushing and daily flossing habits, your chances of developing tooth decay will be greatly reduced. To effectively remove plaque between teeth, gently slide the floss between teeth and move it up and down in a scraping motion.

Brush your tongue

According to the Dentist in Sun City, AZ, brushing the tongue will promote fresh breath. Using a tongue scraper is recommended for removing bacteria from the tongue that cannot be reached by brushing alone.

Use a mouthwash

The Best Dentist in Sun City, AZ, says mouthwash is not a substitute for a proper oral hygiene regimen. However, rinsing your mouth with mouthwash can help prevent cavities, reduce plaque buildup, prevent gingivitis, and keep your breath smelling good. Rinse with an alcohol-free mouthwash that has the ADA Seal of Acceptance. A dentist can help you determine which mouthwash is the best for your needs.

Prevent dry mouth

A dry mouth is caused by a lack of saliva production. Without saliva to moisten the mouth, food particles and bacteria are left on the teeth and gums. This can cause bad breath, tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems. There are several things you can do to prevent this. Drink plenty of water, chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva flow, use a humidifier as needed, and avoid tobacco. Ask your Best Dentist in Sun City, AZ, about products that can help alleviate dry mouth symptoms.

Brush your tongue

3 out of 4 people aren't brushing their tongues. This important area can harbor bacteria and food particles that feed odor-causing bacteria. Are you guilty of this? Next time you brush, give your tongue some extra attention to get your breath smelling fresh and clean again! 

Replace your toothbrush regularly

You should also change your toothbrush every three months as it can get worn out and lose its effectiveness in removing plaque. Bacteria and debris isn't the only thing you'll miss by skipping these simple tasks—regularly changing your toothbrush can also keep your teeth white!

Adjust your diet

Many people suffer from bad breath because they regularly eat foods that contribute to it. If you brush and floss daily and still have bad breath, avoid eating common trigger foods like garlic, onion, coffee, alcoholic beverages, etc.

Dental Aesthetic, located in Sun City, AZ, offers the best preventative dental treatment for patients. Call us at 623-300-5432 and schedule an appointment with our dentist.