Ways to Battle Bad Breath

Regular dental visits and good oral hygiene are essential for a healthy mouth. But since you can’t be in your dentist’s chair 24/7, there are other ways you can battle bad breath at home. Over time, these tricks can improve your overall oral health when done in conjunction with proper daily dental habits.

Hydrate
Drinking enough water is one of the easiest ways to fight bad breath. When our mouths are dry and don’t produce saliva, odor-causing bacteria can grow. Dry mouth can also be a side effect of certain medications or medical conditions and diseases, but the most common cause is dehydration. Since dry mouth can occur while you’re sleeping, try to drink water as soon as you wake up to kickstart your salivary glands.

Proper Brushing and Flossing
You may think this is a moot point, but you’d be surprised by how many people don’t properly practice this. You should be brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day and brush every surface of your teeth- front, back, top, and side. Afterwards, floss to cut down on plaque and remove any leftover food particles your brush may have missed.

Clean Your Tongue
The majority of bad-breath causing bacteria live on your tongue. If left uncleaned, that bacteria can develop a sulfur-like smell, not to mention a generally bad taste in your mouth. Invest in a toothbrush with a tongue and cheek cleaner to make brushing that much easier.

Use A Mouthrinse
Using a mouthrinse is the cherry on top of a good dental routine. This washes away the last of the bacteria that could have been missed during brushing and flossing and leaves your mouth with an ultra-clean feeling as if you just left your dentist. Pro Tip: Use a mouthrinse that is alcohol free so you don’t dry out your gums.

Have A Healthy Diet
It’s no secret that some foods leave a less-than-appealing taste and smell in our mouths (we’re looking at you, garlic). Avoiding acidic foods like vinegar or very sugary foods can cut down on halitosis- since those kinds of foods create more bad breath bacteria. Aim to eat foods that increase saliva production such as whole grains and proteins.

While it would be great to constantly have minty-fresh breath, that’s not always the reality. But these at-home practices can help decrease bad breath germs and increase your overall oral health.

Dr. Ronald Murphy is committed to the highest standards of dental care and to ensuring that every patient leaves our office with a bright and healthy smile. Call our Batavia office today at (630) 879-7642 to schedule an appointment with our attentive and compassionate staff.