We all know that brushing our teeth keeps cavities at bay, but were you also aware it can improve bad breath? Our North York dentists explain how brushing up on oral hygiene can leave your mouth sparkling clean - and smelling great.
How can brushing my teeth help my bad breath?
Most people know that consistently practicing good oral hygiene helps prevent cavities and lowers risk of long-term health problems such as gum disease, but it also has a role in making your breath smell clean and fresh.
If your dentist has officially diagnosed you with halitosis (bad breath), you may be referred to your physician or another primary care provider. If the underlying cause is related to your oral health, you and your dentist can work together to help improve the condition. Measures that may work for you include:
Brush Your Teeth After Eating
Plaque and food debris can get caught on our tongue, in our gums and other spaces in our mouth, creating a breeding ground for unpleasant breeding ground for bacteria.
If bad breath is a problem for you, you may want to bring your toothbrush to work for a quick cleaning after eating. By using a toothpaste with fluoride at least twice a day (especially after meals), you can stay on top of this issue, kill the odour-causing bacteria that leads to bad breath and make a noticeable impact.
Use Special Toothpaste or Mouth Rinse
Your dentist may be able to recommend a special bacteria-killing mouth rinse or toothpaste containing an antibacterial agent to eliminate the bacteria that can cause plaque to accumulate on your gums and between your teeth.
Don’t Forget to Brush Your Tongue
The tongue often serves as a fertile breeding ground for bacteria, so brushing it carefully may help to reduce odours. Using a tongue scraper may help if you have dry mouth or are a long-term smoker (which can cause a significant overgrowth of bacteria). Or, many toothbrushes have built-in tongue cleaners.
Clean Dental Appliances or Dentures
It’s important not to forget dental appliances when discussing how to eliminate bad breath. If you wear a denture or bridge, take time to clean it thoroughly at least once a day, or as directed by the dentist.
If you have a mouth guard or dental retainer, clean it each time you put it back into your mouth. Your dentist can recommend the best cleaning product for your device.
Schedule Regular Dental Checkups
Whether bad breath is a new issue you’ve noticed since your last appointment or your dentist has diagnosed you with halitosis, regular dental checkups are important for everyone. We advise most patients to see us twice a year, so their teeth or dentures can be properly examined and cleaned.
