How to Avoid Bacteria That Causes Bad Breath

Having bad breath is no laughing matter. It can have negative effects on your interactions with others. That can significantly hamper your personal and professional life. What did you do the last time you ran into someone whose breath smelled like a rat's backside? You probably came up with a good excuse and ran for fresh air as soon as you could.

You certainly do not want to be that person everyone avoids simply because of the way your breath smells.

6 Steps to keep bad breath at bay

1. Brush twice daily

Brushing does not just keep teeth healthy, it also keeps one's breath smelling fresh. At the very least, people need to brush their teeth twice a day. One of those times should be right before going to bed since the mouth is more susceptible to bacterial growth while asleep. That is due to the fact that saliva production reduces when asleep. Saliva is a natural cleaner for the mouth that washes away bacteria and food particles.

In addition, make sure to pay special attention to the tongue when brushing. The tongue is a haven for bacteria and failing to properly clean it when the brush will leave an individual with bad breath.

2. Floss daily

Flossing is just as important as brushing teeth and tongue when it comes to keeping the mouth smelling fresh. Flossing helps to remove plaque from the spaces between the teeth and also removes food particles. Some of these food particles can stick between the teeth for weeks when someone does not floss regularly. People cannot expect the breath to smell fresh when there is a piece of broccoli from two weeks ago still between the teeth.

3. Use an antibacterial mouthwash

Mouthwash is not always necessary for good oral hygiene, but it is essential when it comes to keeping the mouth smelling fresh. Rinsing the mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash helps to clean the spaces between the teeth brushing and flossing cannot reach. Mouthwash can also kill the bacteria that lead to foul-smelling breath. Most types of mouthwash are also infused with fragrances that help to keep the mouth smelling fresh throughout the day.

4. Drink lots of water

Water helps to clean the mouth since it washes away food particles, bacteria and debris in the teeth. Drinking lots of water also increase saliva production and saliva neutralizes any odors in the mouth.

5. Stop using tobacco products

Many tobacco products have a bad smell that often lingers in the mouth for hours after use. These smells are strong enough to overwhelm any fragrances in the toothpaste or mouthwash. If someone is serious about getting rid of bad breath, they will need to seriously consider quitting a tobacco habit.

6. Visit your dentist regularly

Not all cases of foul-smelling breath are the result of poor oral hygiene. It can also be a symptom of a respiratory or gastrointestinal issue. Regular visits to your dentist give him/her the opportunity to make a proper diagnosis.

Want to learn more tips for attaining fresh breath? Contact one of our dentists today.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with Randal S. Elloway DDS, Inc, request an appointment in our Red Bluff dental office here: https://www.drelloway.com. Or call us at Unknown Number.