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Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can have unpleasant social and professional consequences. Bacteria often linger in your mouth after eating and before they can be washed away by saliva. As a result, your breath may smell less than fresh.

Brush your teeth twice daily

While bad breath can be caused by many things, poor oral hygiene is a common cause. If you don't brush and floss twice a day, food particles and bacteria can collect in your mouth, causing a foul smell. Food particles in your mouth are broken down by saliva, but if it's too scarce, the odor from decomposition can stick around. So, brush your teeth at least twice daily. 

Floss at least once a day

Mouthwash cannot fully clean in between teeth, and regular brushing simply doesn't reach deep between the teeth where food particles and bacteria hide. By flossing daily, you can remove these hidden bacteria and food particles that turn into plaque and lead to bad breath. Failing to floss can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral health issues.

Brush your tongue

A lot of people forget about cleaning their tongues when they brush their teeth. A buildup of bacteria on the tongue is common, which can contribute to bad breath. Tongue scrapers can be used to remove this buildup. Some toothbrushes have special tufts or bristles that are designed to reach the tongue. For the best results, clean your tongue after brushing your teeth in the morning and then at night.

Clean dentures or dental appliances

When dentures become loose fitting from wear, they can allow food particles and bacteria to become stuck between the appliance and your gums. This can cause bad breath and make your mouth feel unclean even after brushing and flossing. If you suffer from chronic bad breath that won't go away with basic oral hygiene efforts, you may need to have your dentures adjusted by your dentist. Your dentist can repair damaged parts of your dentures as well as replace any missing pieces. Doing so will help you improve your smile and restore your confidence about your appearance.

Avoid dry mouth

Having bad breath is embarrassing, but you don't have to suffer without help. If you notice that your mouth is always dry, there are several things you can do to rehydrate it. It's especially important to drink water when you're already dehydrated and notice bad breath as a result. Drinking water will not affect the pH balance of your mouth the way that other beverages like coffee will. So, make sure you drink enough to prevent dry mouth from occurring. Consider drinking several glasses of water a day.

Regularly get a new toothbrush

You should replace your toothbrush every three to four months, but if you notice your bristles fraying before then, you should change your toothbrush sooner. You should also replace your toothbrush after you've been sick. This will help prevent germs from spreading to your mouth and cause more issues. 

Schedule regular dental checkups

Your dentist can diagnose bad breath and advise you on how to fix it, including how to improve your dental hygiene routine and provide treatments that will remove offensive odors from your mouth. Regular appointments allow your dentist to find and treat problems before they become worse. For example, your hygienist will clean your teeth during your visits to kill bacteria and remove bits of food that are stuck in your teeth and gums. By scheduling regular visits with your dentist, you can prevent plaque buildup and decay, which encourages the development of bad breath.

Visit Polin Dental at 2600 N Military Trl #320, Boca Raton, or call (561) 997-2323 to learn more about our dental procedures.