Getting Rid of Bad Breath

If you’ve ever had someone offer you a breath mint or a piece of gum, then you know what it’s like to have bad breath. Bad breath can be unpleasant for those around you, and for you as well. Because of this, you’ll want to find different ways to get rid of bad breath, and prevent it from coming back. This starts with understanding the causes for bad breath.

Causes of Bad Breath

If you want to get rid of bad breath, you need to understand what is causing it to begin with. Below are a few of the different causes of bad breath, to help you to better diagnose the issue and get rid of bad breath.

Poor Oral Healthcare

One of the biggest reasons for bad breath is poor oral healthcare. By not brushing, flossing and rinsing, you risk the buildup of plaque and food particles.

Food

Another major reason for bad breath is certain foods. Foods like garlic can leave a lasting smell—which in turn makes people want to avoid speaking with you directly.

Infections in the Mouth

Various infections can actually cause smells, which in turn leads to bad breath. Not only is it important to take care of these infections for your oral health, but also to get rid of bad breath.

Get Rid of Bad Breath

There are a few different ways to get rid of bad breath, and the best method for you will depend on what is causing your bad breath to begin with. If you have an infection, for instance, you may need to have the infection addressed to get rid of bad breath. On the other hand, if you have plaque buildup, other methods will be required to get rid of bad breath.

Below are a few different ways to get rid of bad breath:

Brush and Floss Properly

One of the best ways to ensure that food particles don’t get trapped and that plaque doesn’t build up is to brush and floss properly. This means being thorough, and brushing and flossing at least twice a day, every day. If need be, you may consider brushing again sometime during the day to get rid of bad breath.

Drink More Water

Water is essential not just for hydration, but also to get rid of bad breath and keep it at bay. Having a dry mouth can actually cause your breath to sour, so one of the best ways to get rid of bad breath is to simply drink more water throughout the day. Not only will your breath smell better, but you’ll also feel better overall.

Clean Off Your Tongue

While people often brush their teeth and gums, they sometimes neglect their tongue. This is a huge mistake! Your tongue can be a host to all kinds of bacteria that causes your breath to smell awful. Make sure to not only brush your tongue, but also scrape it if you believe your breath is getting worse.

Rinse Your Mouth

Like with brushing and flossing, you should be rinsing out your mouth with mouthwash every day, at least twice a day. Not only does this help to kill bacteria, but mouthwash also often has a mint smell to help freshen your breath and eliminate any odor.

Quit Smoking

Smoking and tobacco use can contribute to many issues throughout your body—including oral health issues. These issues may be as small as bad breath, and as bad as oral cancer. For the sake of those around you smelling your breath and for your own health, quit smoking.

Have Oral Health Issues Addressed By a Dentist

There are actually various infections and other oral health issues that may be causing your bad breath. If this is the case, you’ll want to have these issues addressed by your dentist to not only get rid of bad breath, but also ensure your ongoing oral health.

When to Set an Appointment

If you have mild bad breath, there is no need to set an immediate appointment with your dentist. You may simply need to try out some of the different ways to get rid of bad breath listed above. If your bad breath continues to persist, though, you may want to schedule an appointment with your dentist. This is especially so if the bad breath is accompanied by other symptoms, like pain or discomfort. Take steps to get rid of bad breath at home, and if you feel like the issue is more severe, set an appointment with your dentist.