Despite brushing and flossing daily, everyone experiences bad breath at one time or another. Whether you enjoy onions on your sandwich at lunch or take a medication that makes your mouth dry, there are ways to control the lingering odours, also known as halitosis. Try one of these tips for bad breath control.
Proper Brushing Technique
You already know brushing your teeth whisks away odours. But are you doing it correctly? The Indian Dental Association recommends to brush at least twice a day. It is important to brush all surfaces of the teeth, including the the gumline and inside portion of the teeth near the palate and tongue. To eliminate bad breath, spend time brushing the entire surface of your tongue where bad bacteria tend to linger the most after you brush the teeth and gumline. Use a toothbrush which provides an effective tongue cleaner on the back head of the toothbrush.
Replace Your Toothbrush
If you wait for your semi-annual dental check-up to replace your toothbrush with a freebie from the dentist, think again. To keep your breath fresh, use clean oral hygiene tools. When your toothbrush becomes frayed, it's time for a new one. The Indian Dental Association recommends to change your toothbrush regularly. Throw your old toothbrush after three months or when the bristles start to flare, whichever comes first. If your bristles flare much sooner than every three months, you may be brushing too hard.
Regularly Clean Dental Appliances
You can't ignore proper oral hygiene just because you wear false teeth or a retainer. Dentures and partials require daily cleaning, just as natural teeth. Remove the dental appliances from your mouth to brush them to remove all food particles and plaque which can create bad breath.
Stimulate Saliva Production
A dry mouth can be the cause of halitosis. Try enjoying sugar-free chewing gum or hard candies to encourage saliva production. The Healthy Mouth Healthy Body notes that saliva, or spit, plays a significant role in maintaining oral health. When saliva flow is reduced oral health problems such as tooth decay and other oral infections can occur. Doctors can prescribe artificial saliva which comes as a spray to help moisten the mouth. Pungent seasonings, such as garlic or vinegar, can linger well past mealtime, so eat them sparingly. According to the National Oral Health Programme, sugary snacks containing a high amount of sugar can cause tooth decay. Chewy / sticky sweets such as soft candies, taffy and even dried fruit are a serious source of tooth decay, particularly when they get stuck in the crevices between teeth and make it nearly impossible for saliva to wash away.
You don't have to suffer from bad breath any longer. By brushing twice daily with a clean toothbrush, maintaining ample saliva in your mouth, choosing food carefully and using other tips for bad breath control, you can keep your breath fresh and pleasant.
