Good oral hygiene habits are essential for good oral health. It can prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems. But good oral hygiene isn’t just about preventing cavities. It’s also about preventing halitosis or bad breath. Halitosis is caused by bacteria that collect on your teeth and tongue. It can be embarrassing, but good oral hygiene can prevent it. Here are a few tips:

Brush your teeth after you eat

Brush your teeth at least twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. Brushing helps remove bacteria and food particles that can damage your teeth and cause halitosis. This is one of the most common oral hygiene tips out there. 

Brush your tongue

It’s also important to brush your tongue. After you eat, plaque and food particles can collect on the tongue. If you don’t clean your tongue properly, you might swallow the stench-causing bacteria into your stomach when it’s time to eat or drink again. To get rid of this annoying problem, try using a tongue scraper to clean the surface of your tongue as well as the back of your mouth.

Floss at least once a day

When food particles and bacteria are left inside your mouth, they can create plaque and lead to bad breath. The most effective way to prevent this is to floss daily to remove these harmful items before they can do any harm. Cavities do not cause bad breath; however, cavities are caused when food and bacteria sit on your teeth and gums for too long, creating plaque buildup and eventually leading to decay. The best way to avoid cavities is to brush twice a day for two minutes using fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, regularly visit your dentist, and eat a well-balanced diet.

Clean dentures or dental appliances

Dental appliances like dentures and retainers should be cleaned daily. You should clean them thoroughly with soap and water every night before bed. Soaking your dentures overnight in denture cleaner is also recommended. This helps remove the plaque and food particles that accumulate throughout the day. If your dentures are stained, use a soft-bristled brush to gently brush them with non-abrasive toothpaste. Before putting them back in your mouth, rinse them off to ensure they are free from any residue. It’s also important to clean your mouth after removing your dentures. Bacteria can grow quickly on the residual saliva left behind on your gums. Be sure to rinse out your mouth with water to remove any leftover bacteria and keep your breath fresh!

Avoid dry mouth

A dry mouth can be very uncomfortable and make you feel like you have bad breath. Luckily, there are ways to avoid having a dry mouth, such as staying hydrated by drinking lots of water, chewing sugar-free gum, and avoiding alcohol and cigarettes. Mouth rinses can help with dry mouth as well. Rinsing with an alcohol-free mouthwash is recommended for dry mouth. This will help kill the bacteria in your mouth that cause the odor in the first place. If your dry mouth persists, it’s important to see your dentist because you may need a prescription mouthwash or other treatment to help your symptoms and prevent further complications. 

Adjust your diet

Certain foods can cause bad breath or make the existing odor worse. These foods include onions, garlic, coffee, and alcoholic beverages. If you consume these foods, you should brush your teeth afterward to remove food particles that are trapped between your teeth. Also, avoid eating foods that have a strong odor, such as fish, cheese, and curry. Eating these types of foods can worsen your breath for hours after you have eaten them.

Drinking plenty of water can also keep your mouth moist and help to prevent bad breath by removing food particles. Dehydration is a common cause of bad breath, so it is important to drink plenty of fluids every day.

Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet that consists of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and protein can also help to reduce bad breath and improve your oral health. Fruits and vegetables contain vitamins and minerals that help to support healthy teeth and gums. Grains and protein help to support the overall health of your gums and the soft tissue in your mouth.

Regularly get a new toothbrush

It’s important for your toothbrush to have clean bristles while removing potentially harmful plaque and bacteria from your mouth. Make sure you’re changing your toothbrush every three to four months. Your toothbrush may not look like it’s falling apart, but the bristles may be worn out and not cleaned as well as they could. A worn toothbrush can also damage your gums more than a newer toothbrush. If you keep using your old toothbrush, you’re just putting yourself at risk for gum disease and cavities. If your toothbrush is frayed or you notice you are bleeding when you brush or floss, you may need a new toothbrush sooner than later. Also, if you notice any changes in your smile, like discoloration or sensitivity, it might be time to change out your toothbrush.

Schedule regular dental checkups

Visiting the dentist regularly can help prevent bad breath and detect other early signs of oral cancer. Regular dental cleanings remove built-up plaque and tartar from the teeth. When you don’t take care of your oral health, it can lead to gum disease that causes swelling and bleeding of the gums. In fact, many serious health problems can be detected during your regular dental care visits, including diabetes and heart disease.

At Kusek Family & Implant Dentistry, we offer a full range of services in a relaxed dental environment. To learn more about our dental services or to schedule your consultation with one of our dentists, call us at 605-371-3443 or visit us at 4921 E. 26th St., Suite 1, Sioux Falls, SD 57110.