Bad breath can often be resolved with improved oral hygiene and dietary changes.
If you have suffered from bad breath, you will know that the issue can be embarrassing. Fortunately, there are a few ways in which the problem can be addressed — read on to find out what you can do to make sure that your mouth feels and smells fresh and clean, and what to do if these simple changes don’t help…
1. Keep your teeth clean
When plaque builds up on the teeth and gums, it can cause a foul-smelling odour in the mouth. Similarly, leftover food particles that get stuck in the teeth can also contribute to bad breath. For these reasons, it is very important that you brush your teeth at least twice a day and that you floss daily as this will help to get rid of plaque and food debris. When brushing, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and be gentle so that you don’t wear down your enamel or cause damage to your gums.
2. Consider using a mouthwash
While brushing and flossing are essential steps in any proper oral hygiene routine, rinsing with a mouthwash can also help to freshen one’s breath and keep the mouth free from harmful (and smelly) bacteria. Choose an antibacterial mouthwash for best results, and rinse once a day as part of your morning or evening routine. You may also find it helpful to rinse your mouth with water after eating —this is an easy and effective way to remove leftover bits of food that may be stuck in your teeth after a meal or snack.
3. Don’t forget your tongue
While it’s no secret that clean teeth are healthy teeth, it’s actually also a good idea to clean your tongue regularly. The tongue is often host to a coating of bacteria and plaque that tends to smell bad, so be sure to brush it every time that you brush your teeth. You can simply use your toothbrush to do so, but if you prefer, you might consider using a scraper. Tongue scrapers are especially designed to remove bacteria and food particles from the surface of the tongue, and are very easy to use.
4. Avoid certain foods
In many cases, bad breath is caused by the foods that we choose to eat. Some of the most common culprits include garlic and onions, which actually include foul-smelling substances that enter the bloodstream and lungs, exiting the body when we exhale. If you are suffering from bad breath because of your dietary choices, try to limit your consumption of these types of foods.
5. Keep your mouth moist
Saliva is naturally produced in the mouth and acts as a kind of defence against the harmful acids in plaque. Saliva keeps the mouth moist and can help to prevent a range of oral health issues, including tooth decay and bad breath. To promote the production of saliva and avoid a dry mouth, you may find it helpful to chew on some sugar-free gum. It’s also a good idea to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
How can we help?
If you are suffering from bad breath and these simple lifestyle changes do not prove effective, we encourage you to come in and see us. In some cases, bad breath could be a sign of an underlying health condition and your dentist may need to examine your teeth and gums to determine the cause of the problem.
At Iris Dental, we offer a range of general dentistry services designed to maintain your oral health and overall wellbeing. We encourage all of our patients to practice proper oral hygiene and to come in and see us for routine check-ups and cleans every six months.
To book an appointment, please get in touch here or give us a call on (03) 9394 7877.