Almost everyone we know has dealt with bad mouth odor at some point in their lives and has wondered, “How do I get rid of bad breath?” There’s nothing more terrible than being around someone with bad breath, except if you are the person who has bad breath. Yeah, that’s definitely worse.
It is kind of hard to get an idea if your own breath smells bad or not. It is even more embarrassing when someone else has to tell you. But how to get rid of bad breath? Before we learn more about that, it is essential to know how bad breath originates.
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How Does Bad Breath Originate?
Bad breath originates from your mouth, which is a funhouse for bacteria to breed in. The tiny bits of food stuck in your teeth while eating become homes for bacterial infections that release terrible-smelling sulfur compounds.
Technically, more than 90% of bad breath originates from the mouth. However, there is a chance that it could be due to other reasons. Your foul breath could also result from acid reflux, renal failure, or diabetes complications.
What Causes Bad Breath?
In order to understand the answer to the question “How do I get rid of bad breath?” it is also important to know the causes behind it.
There are multiple reasons for bad breath, just like there can be many causes behind the multiplication of bacteria in our mouths. Some of the reasons for bad breath include:
Certain food items: Everything we consume in terms of food and beverages contributes to our oral health, including our breath. Eating foods with strong odors can leave a nasty smell that doesn’t go away despite rinsing and brushing your teeth. Foods that can cause bad breath include items such as garlic, onions, cheese, soda, certain types of spice, and alcohol.
Bad oral hygiene: If you fail to brush and floss your teeth correctly, the food bits and particles tend to remain in your mouth, creating a breeding ground for foul-smelling bacteria. These food bits eventually rot, leading to bad breath.
Dry mouth: A dry mouth is another leading cause of bad breath. Salivary gland disorders or medical conditions such as xerostomia can be caused by certain medications, aging, or excessive use of tobacco products, leading to a dry mouth. Using your mouth to breathe while sleeping can also lead to a dry mouth.
Tobacco products: Users of tobacco products not only suffer from terrible breath but also stain their teeth and risk losing them.
How Do I Get Rid of Bad Breath?
Bad breath can be a significant problem and results from poor oral hygiene and other bad habits. If you are refraining from snuggling up to your sweetheart or holding back from whispering a joke to your friend due to bad breath, you need to make some changes.
By adopting some simple tips, you can find out how to get rid of your bad breath.
Drink Water
Stinky bacteria in your mouth can cause bad-smelling plaque and tartar buildup. Drinking water flushes the nasty bacteria away. It also helps generate saliva in your mouth, preventing it from getting too dry and not allowing smelly bacteria to thrive in your oral cavity.
Make sure not to drink juices or sodas to quench your thirst. These will only make your mouth drier and take you farther away from the solution of how to get rid of your bad breath.
Use Tongue Scrapers
Brushing your teeth doesn’t necessarily remove all food particles from your oral cavity. Food debris, dead cells, and bacteria stay back on your tongue and can cause pale spots to appear on it. This can also lead to bad breath.
If you want to know how to get rid of your bad breath, then a tongue scraper is one of the best solutions. It helps in removing stray debris and keeps your mouth fresh. Add this to your nightly routine to ensure long-lasting and fresh breath.
Gargle With Salt Water
Gargling regularly with salt water is a highly effective way to remove bad breath. Create a mixture of ½ tsp of salt with 8 ounces of water and swish in your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting. This can produce great results and help you crack the problem of how to get rid of your bad breath.
Rinse Your Mouth
Every time you eat something, food particles get lodged between your teeth and the lining of your gums. Waiting until bedtime to brush away these particles only makes them sit in your mouth longer and cause bad breath.
Rinse your mouth after eating a snack or meal to ensure a basic clearing of all food particles. Do make sure to brush your teeth before sleeping.
Maintain Good Dental Hygiene
Maintaining good oral hygiene is a major part of knowing how to get rid of bad breath. The general basics of a good oral hygiene routine include brushing, flossing, rinsing, scraping your tongue, and occasional assessments of your mouth.
Look for warning signs of infections or disease. Do you spot a discolored tooth? Are your gums swollen, red, or bleeding? All these steps contribute to proper dental hygiene, which can help keep your breath fresh. Brush and floss your teeth twice daily.
Visit a Dentist Regularly
Regular dental check-ups play a massive role in keeping your breath fresh. Dentists specialize in knowing how to get rid of bad breath. With the help of scheduled dental exams and routine cleanings, dentists can help you maintain fresh and breezy breath. The American Dental Association recommends at least two visits to a dentist every year for adults.
Don’t Let Bad Breath Hold You Back – Consult a Dentist at Brooklyn Boulevard Dental Today
You may develop bad breath despite practicing good dental hygiene and taking all precautions. If you have made changes to your lifestyle and are still unable to figure out an answer to “How do I get rid of bad breath?” consult a dentist at Brooklyn Boulevard Dental.
Our dentists, along with our dental team, can help diagnose the root cause of your mouth odor and enable you to regain your confidence.
Book your appointment at Brooklyn Boulevard Dental today by calling (763) 533-8669.
Confident smiles start with a fresh breath.
