How to Prevent Bad Breath With Professional Dental Care

Are you experiencing persistent bad breath that won’t go away? At Shining Smiles Family Dentistry, we regularly help Marietta patients with halitosis during scheduled dental cleanings and oral exams. But while bad breath is a common sign of an oral health issue, narrowing down the precise cause is often more challenging.

9 Proven Ways to Get Rid of Bad Breath

1. Make sure you brush and floss your teeth regularly. Brushing your teeth and flossing soon after eating can help minimize bad breath. You should brush your teeth 2-3 times per day and floss at least 1-2 times (definitely before bedtime).

2. Rinse your mouth correctly and frequently. Rinsing your mouth daily with a mouthwash can help minimize bad breath. After brushing and flossing, get in the habit of rinsing with a refreshing mouthwash (spearmint, winterfresh and peppermint are available on the market). Wouldn’t you want to smell like fresh mint instead of onions?

3. Avoid foods that cause bad breath. This one is a no-brainer, but sometimes is not always possible. If you know you’re meeting friends in 2 hours, don’t eat your mom’s homemade french onion soup (eat it tomorrow!).

4. Scrape/brush your tongue. Just like you brush your teeth and floss your gums, you shouldn’t skip on cleaning your tongue. Lots of bad-breath-causing bacteria lingers on the tongue so it needs to be removed sooner rather than later. Be sure to scrape or brush your tongue every time you brush your teeth to minimize bad breath.

5. Stop using tobacco products. No doubt about it…cigarettes and other tobacco products cause bad breath. Who wants to smell like a cigarette 24/7? Typically, no amount of flossing, brushing or rinsing can entirely get rid of bad breath caused by cigarettes and tobacco products. Stopping the tobacco habit is the best solution for getting rid of bad breath and for your overall health.

6. Chew gum after meals instead of having mints. Sugarfree gum made with xylitol is the best gum to chew after meals. It removes the harmful bacteria and sugar from your teeth until you’re able to brush and floss.

7. Don’t forget about taking care of your gums. Bad breath can sometimes be a warning sign of gum (periodontal) disease so it’s very important to floss 1-2 times per day. If a dentist determines you have gum disease, treatments are available to help your condition. Take a look at our gum disease prevention and treatment infographic for the best ways to stay healthy.

8. Keep your mouth moist throughout the day. If you don’t naturally make enough saliva, bad breath can develop. It is important to keep your mouth moist throughout the day, but how? Drink water! But how much? A good rule of thumb for healthy adults is between 8-10 cups per day (source). Drink up!

9. See your doctor or dentist. If you still can’t seem to get rid of bad breath after trying the aforementioned ideas OR if you’d rather skip those ideas and see a professional, schedule an appointment with your dentist or doctor. He or she can help you get to the root of the problem and fix your bad breath once and for all.

Why Poor Dental Habits Cause Bad Breath

As you can see, there are many reasons a person may experience bad breath – and various preventive steps you can take. Your dentist often identifies issues that lead to an unpleasant odor during a routine checkup. But an understanding of just why poor dental habits cause bad breath is a great way to inspire change.

Bacterial growth – Our mouths naturally contain bacteria that feed on food particles left behind after eating. Poor dental habits such as not brushing and flossing regularly will allow bacteria to thrive and multiply. As bacteria breaks down food particles the foul-smelling compounds that lead to bad breath are released.

Plaque buildup – Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms on the surface of the teeth. If not removed through proper brushing and flossing, plaque can accumulate and harden into tartar. Unfortunately, both plaque and tartar contribute to higher levels of odor-causing bacteria in the mouth. However, a dentist can remove this plaque and tartar buildup with a process called scaling and root planing.

Gum disease – Poor dental habits are a significant cause of gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis. Inflammation of the gums allows bacteria to collect in pockets around the teeth, producing odors. In addition, advanced gum disease can cause persistent bad breath and even damage to the teeth and surrounding tissues. Speak to your dentist about professional gum disease treatments to prevent severe oral health issues.

Food residue – Inadequate brushing and flossing will often leave food particles trapped between teeth and on the tongue. Of course, pungent foods like garlic and onions are obvious examples, but without a careful oral health routine any food residue can lead to bad breath. Your Marietta dentist can demonstrate the best brushing and flossing techniques during a routine dental checkup.

Tongue coating – Bacteria, dead cells and food debris can accumulate on the tongue’s surface, creating a coated or discolored appearance. This coating may contain bacteria that contributes to bad breath. Thankfully, with a consistent oral health routine you can remove this bacterial coating and restore fresh breath.

Prevent Bad Breath With Marietta’s Leading Dental Professionals

Shining Smiles Family Dentistry offers a range of dental treatments to prevent bad breath and ensure positive oral health. If you want to schedule a visit for a dental checkup or treatment, contact our Marietta office. Call (770) 420-8550 or request an appointment now.

Sources:
WebMD
Mayo Clinic
Fox News