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Bad breath affects many people and can significantly impact the quality of life. There are many causes of bad breath, some of which are temporary, while others are more permanent. Listed below are a few things you can do to remove bad breath.

Brushing your teeth

Brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste is an important key to fighting bad breath. You should brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time. You should be brushing not only the front surfaces of your teeth but also the sides that are touching your cheeks and tongue. These areas tend to collect more bacteria in your mouth. After you’ve spent half of your time brushing the tops of your teeth, switch to the chewing surface of your teeth and spend the rest of your time cleaning that area. Don’t neglect the back of your teeth, as they can also harbor dangerous plaque buildup.

Remember to brush your tongue as well. Your tongue can trap food and bacteria and cause odor-causing compounds to develop. Make sure to clean all the surfaces of the tongue, including the top and bottom of the tongue, the sides of the tongue, and the back area of the tongue where it tends to meet the roof of your mouth. If you’re having a hard time reaching these areas of your oral cavity, try using a tongue scraper to loosen any debris.

Once you’re done brushing, make sure to rinse out your mouth with water to remove any leftover debris. 

Flossing

Flossing is one of the best ways to get rid of bad breath and plaque. Make sure that you floss before you brush to remove any food trapped between the teeth. You want to make sure that you use the proper technique when flossing so that you get the maximum benefits. Make sure to grip the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers. The floss should form a “C” shape around each tooth and gently slide up and down the sides of the teeth. Do not snap the floss against the gums, as this can cause irritation to the gum tissue. Use a new piece of floss for each quadrant of your mouth and switch sides every few teeth for better cleaning. A

Cleaning your dentures or dental appliances

When you wear removable prosthetic teeth, like partial dentures or complete dentures, it is important to clean them every day. If you wear a partial denture, you can brush it with a soft-bristled brush and mild soap daily to remove food debris and plaque. This will prevent staining and help your smile look its best. You may also soak it in a cleaning solution overnight while you sleep. If you have an implant-supported prosthesis, be sure to remove and clean the appliance every night before going to sleep. This helps to prevent infection and other serious issues.

Avoiding dry mouth

A dry mouth can be caused by many things, including dehydration, certain medical conditions, some medications, breathing through the mouth, and many other causes. Without saliva in your mouth, food particles and bacteria can build up, causing bad breath. But there are also other reasons for bad breath aside from having a dry mouth, such as oral infections. In these cases, your dentist can help treat your underlying condition and help you maintain fresh breath.

For some patients, simply drinking water can help with dry mouth. For others, chewing sugarless gum may be enough to help stimulate the flow of saliva.

To learn more about our dental procedures, schedule an appointment with Bergeron Dental by calling us at (907) 456-5600 or visiting our dental office located at 3112 Airport Way, Suite 2, Fairbanks, AK 99709.