Tips To Get Rid Of Bad Breath

Do you have bad breath? Don’t worry because halitosis, or bad breath, is usually short-lived if you take the right steps. You may be experiencing chronic bad breath due to a poor oral hygiene routine or a neglected dental/medical condition. In this article, we’ll share some of our top tips on getting rid of bad breath and cover everything you need to know about keeping your breath fresh.

What Causes Bad Breath? 

Bad breath can be caused by various factors. However, the most common cause of bad breath is a result of the accumulation and breakdown of food particles by bacteria in the mouth. 

In addition to that, other causes of bad breath include:

• Dental conditions like gum disease or tooth decay.. 
• Poor oral hygiene that causes plaque build-up on teeth and gums.
• Having a dry mouth due to decreased production of saliva in the mouth.
• Intake of foods like onions and garlic that have strong odours. 
• Medical conditions such as sinus infections or kidney and lung diseases. 

If you are experiencing chronic halitosis, where your bad breath doesn’t go away after following a consistent oral hygiene routine, we recommend scheduling an appointment with one of our dentists. Our dentist will check your mouth to identify the causes of bad breath and advise you on a treatment plan. 

How Can I Get Rid of Bad Breath? 

There are different steps that you can try on your own to get rid of bad breath. Here’s our top recommendations:

Practise good oral hygiene – Leftover food particles in your mouth can lead to plaque build-up on your teeth and gums, which contributes to bad breath. Because of this, it is important to practise good oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing daily. Flossing is just as important as it helps remove any food particles or build-up in areas of your mouth that your toothbrush can’t reach. Don’t forget to clean your tongue when brushing to help reduce the amount of bacteria on your tongue. 

Consider using a mouthwash – Adding a mouthwash to your routine may also prove to be helpful. When choosing a mouthwash, make sure to get one that contains peppermint, zinc or chlorhexidine (which is an antiseptic). These ingredients will help reduce bad breath and get rid of bacteria in your mouth. If the cause of your bad breath is some other oral condition, your dentist may even recommend a specific mouthwash with antibacterial properties.

Be mindful of your diet – your diet can have a huge impact on your breath, and strong-smelling foods like garlic, onions, spicy foods, fish, and coffee can cause bad breath. However, this doesn’t mean you have to avoid these foods and drinks entirely. You can still enjoy them while adopting certain habits to freshen your breath after each meal. For example, you can chew sugar-free gum after eating spicy, aromatic foods or drink water after enjoying drinks like caffeine. This will help freshen your breath and reduce dry mouth. 

Keep your mouth hydrated – Saliva plays an important role in neutralising acids in your mouth and also contains minerals that protect your enamel. So, remember to stay hydrated in order to prevent your mouth from drying out. 

Schedule regular dental visits – If your bad breath persists for extended periods, we recommend seeing your dentist to help diagnose and provide further guidance. A regular visit every 6 months will help prevent any dental conditions that could lead to bad breath and help you maintain optimal oral health.  

At Port Melbourne Dental, we are dedicated to helping you achieve a healthy smile and fight bad breath. With our team of professionals committed to providing care and advice, you can enjoy life without letting your bad breath hold you back. 

Freshen up your smile with a visit to our dental clinic today!