Ever had one of those days where you go around to people and they are like, “You smell terrible!”? We’ve all been there. In this article, we’re going to go over 7 different methods for how to prevent bad breath so you never have to deal with that again!
The first step to preventing bad breath is understanding what causes it. Bad breath, also called halitosis, can be caused by a number of things, including the foods you eat, tobacco use, certain medical conditions, and poor oral hygiene.
There are a number of ways to prevent bad breath. Some simple lifestyle changes can make a big difference. And there are also products available that can help keep your mouth clean and your breath fresh.
In this ultimate guide to preventing bad breath, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the causes of bad breath and the best ways to prevent it. We’ll also provide some helpful tips for dealing with bad breath if it does occur.
When it comes to keeping your mouth healthy and free of bad breath, regular oral hygiene is key. That’s because when you brush your teeth, clean your tongue and use floss and mouthwash, you remove a thin film from your tooth surface called plaque, which is a sticky layer that forms on your teeth and contains bacteria. This helps to keep your gums and teeth healthy, and also reduces the build-up of bacteria in your mouth.
In addition, exercise helps to produce more saliva, which is nature’s way of cleansing the mouth and getting rid of bad breath. So, if you’re looking for ways to keep your breath fresh, make sure to get moving on a regular basis!
Ways to Prevent Bad Breath
- Drink Water
Drinking water is a great way to prevent bad breath. When you drink plenty of water, it helps to keep your mouth moist and prevents the growth of bacteria. It also helps to flush out any food particles that may be stuck in your teeth.
Often a dry mouth will give out a sulphuric smell. So make sure to stay hydrated.
- Visit Your Dentist Regularly
It’s important to visit your dentist regularly, not just when you have a problem. Your dentist can help detect problems early and prevent them from becoming more serious. He or she can also give you tips on how to take care of your teeth and gums and avoid bad breath. Often, a dentist is able to distinguish when a certain type of smell is caused by an underlying medical condition rather than a dental issue. For example, fruity or sweet smell is often caused by an underlying diabetic condition. The dentist can refer you to a physician or specialist as needed. Early spotting of these signs can save your life.
- Floss Your Teeth Daily
When it comes to preventing bad breath, one of the most important things you can do is to floss your teeth daily. Flossing helps to remove plaque and bacteria from between your teeth and gums, which can cause bad breath. Did you know that 33% of surfaces remain unclean after you brush your teeth? Flossing can clean these difficult to reach areas between the teeth.
There are a few different ways to floss your teeth. Whichever method you choose, make sure that you are flossing thoroughly every day. Speak to your dentist to demonstrate the correct way of flossing.
- Use non-alcoholic mouthwash regularly
Use of non alcoholic mouthwash can mask the odour temporarily especially if you find yourself in a social situation suddenly. Mouthwash works by killing the bacteria that build up in plaque, thus reducing plaque build up. But beware! Alcohol containing mouthwashes can be counterintuitive, because they will kill the bacteria but the alcohol content will also dry out your mouth. Dry mouth means less saliva and that in turn means that food debris are less likely to be washed away. So you can actually end up with bad breath!
- Rinse Your Mouth Out With a warm Salt Solution
When it comes to bad breath, one of the best ways to prevent it is by rinsing your mouth out with a salt solution. This simple remedy can help to kill the bacteria that causes bad breath and also help to remove any food particles that may be stuck in your teeth.
To make a salt solution, simply mix together 1 teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of warm water. Swish the solution around in your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out. Repeat this process 2-3 times per day for best results.
- Clean your tongue
The most common reason for bad breath is white sticky deposits on the tongue. Cleaning the tongue regularly post brushing is a good practice to reduce odours arising from tongue deposits. These odours can be typically strong with the consumption of foods like garlic and onion as sulphur based compounds are deposited on the tongue when these foods are broken down by salivary enzymes. These deposits will release sulphur based gases which cause the typical bad smell.
- Brush Your Teeth Twice Daily
It’s important to brush your teeth at least twice a day to prevent bad breath. Brushing removes plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums, which can cause bad breath. Be sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth, including the backs of your teeth and your tongue. Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride to help prevent cavities.
If bad breath still persists and none of these remedies seem to be helping, it’s a good idea to visit your dentist to rule out any serious concerns.