Top 5 Ways to Fix Bad Breath

We’ve all been in that moment when we wake up, and the first thing we notice in the morning is a bad taste in our mouth – bad breath. Sometimes it’s also even noticeable throughout the day. It can cause us to be self-conscious when talking to others, and unfortunately, a stick of gum (preferably sugar-free) is only a temporary fix.

While bad breath can be prevented by keeping up with your oral hygiene, seeing your dentist regularly can also help you finally being rid of that pungent smell.

1. Maintain Good Hygiene

Bad breath can be a simple treatment to clean up, and that’s really the first step — a clean mouth. Make sure you are diligent and brush your teeth at least twice a day, especially after meals. Additionally, use toothpaste that contains fluoride to eliminate all the bacteria that cause bad breath out of your mouth.

Bacteria love to stay on your tongue, so when brushing your teeth, also brush your tongue gently. Many toothbrushes come with a tongue brush on the back side to gently scrub your tongue clean. Mouthwash is also an effective way to kill bacteria.

2. Floss Daily

Brushing and mouthwash won’t get every crack and crevasse of your mouth perfectly clean. It’s important to floss at least once a day. We know it’s the most tedious task, and everyone is guilty of skipping a day here and there but getting rid of the tiny bits of food and plaque buildup between your teeth will help save you from bad breath.

3. Drink Plenty of Water

Bad breath is also known as halitosis, and one of the leading causes of it is a dry mouth. Our saliva helps constantly clean our mouths and wash away bacteria and food particles throughout the day without us knowing it. Drinking water will help keep your body hydrated and avoid a dry mouth.

Drinking caffeinated beverages, like coffee and alcohol, can also contribute to a dry mouth.

4. Adjust Your Diet

The food you are eating is a big factor in causing bad breath. And there are two foods you can think of right off that bat that cause smelly breath: garlic and onions. Aromatic foods are more likely to cause bad breath. We aren’t saying to cut these savory foods out of your meals, but your breath will thank you for brushing your teeth after eating a meal containing onions and garlic.

Here are some other foods that cause bad breath:

• Dairy products
• Spicy foods
• Tuna and other fish
• Horseradish
• Coffee

5. Schedule a Dentist Appointment

Sometimes bad breath can signal something your average home remedy can’t entirely cure. Therefore, it is essential to schedule regular dental appointments to make sure your mouth is in tip-top shape.

Your dentist is always looking for things like infections, tooth decay, or gum disease that all contribute to bad breath. They will help you solve those problems by giving you proper cleanings, filling in cavities, and other professional treatments to keep your mouth sparkling clean.