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Apr 14, 2022
Bad breath can cause embarrassment when others point it out. However, it is common to have bad breath if you often skip your brushing routine or consume foods that lead to a strong odour in the mouth.
Usually, people are unaware of this condition, known as halitosis. Your expert Hope Island dentist can quickly diagnose it by scraping the back of the tongue to identify the intensity of the odour.
It is easy to get rid of the problem by following a few simple steps. The crucial thing to remember is to maintain optimum oral hygiene and avoid foods that lead to bad breath. Let us help you with a few tips that will resolve the problem.
1. Brushing and Flossing
Bad breath is often caused by the build-up of bacteria, which is known as plaque. Another reason for odour is food particles getting stuck between the teeth. The solution for both the issues is brushing twice a day and flossing once to remove all the trapped food particles and plaque.
People who suffer from bad breath can brush after every meal to reduce the odour. Thus, they must carry their toothbrush to work or wherever they are going.
2. Resist Your Sweet Tooth
Sugary and starchy foods interact with bacteria present in the mouth and start producing acids. It gradually eats away the tooth enamel and causes cavities and bad breath. If you wish to keep your teeth healthy, it is better to avoid sugary drinks, sweets, chocolates, candies, cakes, chips, savouries, etc.
You can switch to sugar-free gum that will help in increasing saliva, which protects the teeth against the acids produced by plaque. Thus, it aids in reducing odour and the risk of caries.
3. Mouthwash and Toothpaste
Use a mouthwash prescribed by the dentist to rinse your mouth after brushing and a medicated toothpaste to eliminate bacteria. It is necessary to remove plaque from the mouth as it can lead to cavities and tooth decay in addition to bad breath.
The minty taste of the mouthwash helps in adding freshness and removes the odour. It is best to use it after night brushing. Also, you must rinse your mouth with plain water after every meal to wash away the acids and food debris stuck to the teeth.
4. Scraping the Tongue
You may have witnessed a layer on your tongue that needs scraping as a part of oral hygiene. It can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria if not cleaned regularly.
Use a scraper to remove the layer from the back of the tongue that is usually responsible for the odour. These have an angular design that aids in removing bacteria from the entire surface. You can even use a brush, but a scraper is preferable for the perfect cleaning of the tongue.
5. Keep Your Mouth Moist
Beverages like soda, alcohol and coffee can cause dryness in the mouth, which can lead to bad breath. If you are addicted to these drinks, it is better to cut down on them.
You also need to stop smoking as tobacco can lead to bad breath. Make sure that you drink plenty of water during the day to keep dryness at bay. In addition, replace your regular mouthwash with an alcohol-free mouthwash.
6. Clean Orthodontic Devices and Dentures
If you wear dentures or devices, you must clean them as per the instructions of the dentist. Removable devices like mouthguards and aligners should be cleaned thoroughly before putting them in the mouth.
Also, you need to ensure that you brush properly before wearing these devices to stop the growth of bacteria under them.
7. Eat A Healthy Diet
Your meal plan must include a lot of fresh vegetables and fruits, such as celery, carrots and apples that freshen up your breath and help in the reduction of plaque. You can also add oranges to your diet, which help in stimulating saliva and keeping the mouth healthy.
8. Home Remedies for Odour
If you consume odour producing foods like onions and garlic, it is good to get rid of the smell immediately with some home remedies. You can rinse your mouth with warm saline water a few times during the day or chew a few cloves.
Another way to reduce odour is to rinse your mouth with a solution of apple cider vinegar and water. Drinking milk or green tea also helps in keeping bad breath at bay.
9. Change Your Toothbrush Often
Do not wait for the toothbrush to have frayed bristles before you replace it. Most dentists suggest changing the toothbrush after three months as older toothbrushes are not effective in removing the food debris and plaque. Also, frazzled bristles can hurt the gum line and cause unnecessary damage.
10. Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Since it is not easy to identify bad breath, you must visit your dentist in Hope Island regularly to get your oral health examined. They can easily detect the presence of bacteria and odour in the mouth and will suggest an appropriate treatment.
Conclusion
Bad breath is not only an indication of an unhealthy mouth but also a cause of putting people off. Make sure that you follow the tips mentioned above to keep your breath fresh and healthy.
