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Bad breath is often caused by bacteria that grow in the mouth. This bacteria can release an odor that is usually accompanied by a bad taste. If bad breath persists, it may be a sign of a more serious problem.

Brush your teeth twice daily

The American Dental Association recommends brushing teeth twice a day – once in the morning and once at night. This helps to get rid of food debris and plaque from your teeth, so it does not turn into tartar and cause cavities. After eating sugary foods and beverages, it is important to brush as soon as possible to prevent sugar from staying on your teeth for too long and causing decay.

While brushing is important, dentists also recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush to keep your gums healthy and avoid wearing away tooth enamel. You should also replace your toothbrush every two to three months or so to avoid bacteria buildup. If you have braces, you may need to use a floss threader or special orthodontic brushes to properly clean around brackets and wires. You may also need to use an interdental cleaner to clean between teeth and along the gum line while wearing braces to make sure that no food gets stuck under them and causes decay.

Floss at least once a day

Remember to floss at least once every day in order to keep plaque from building up between your teeth and along the gumline. If you don’t floss regularly, chances are you have plaque buildup both on the surface of your teeth and below the gum line. This can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. Make sure to floss in the morning and before you go to bed each night. Not sure how to floss around braces? Ask your orthodontist for tips!

Brush your tongue

Bacteria that cause bad breath live and multiply on the back of your tongue. That’s why it’s so important to brush your tongue in addition to your teeth. Some toothbrushes come with a tongue scraper on the reverse side of the handle for this exact reason. If not, you can use a tongue cleaner to scrape the bacteria off the surface of your tongue.

Avoid dry mouth

Saliva is essential for cleaning your mouth and getting rid of bad breath. A dry mouth causes bacteria to grow in your mouth. This can cause bad breath and even cavities. Also, the lack of saliva can make eating and speaking difficult. Drinking water can help you produce more saliva, and eating foods high in water content, like fruits and vegetables, can help as well.

To find out more about the dental services offered at Solace Dental, call (630) 759-3595 or schedule an online consultation. You can also visit us at 287 N Weber Rd, Bolingbrook, IL, 60490.