How Do I Get Rid of Bad Breath?

It is common for dentists to smell bad breath from your mouth and from your nose. The dentist will then rate the odor on a scale. Your dentist may also scrape the back of your tongue and rate its odor as it is commonly the source of the odor.

Bad Breath Treatments

In order to minimize bad breath, avoid cavities, maintain healthy gums and practice good oral hygiene. More advanced treatments for bad breath are dependent on the cause of the issue. If your bad breath is caused by an underlying health condition, your dentist will usually refer you to a primary care provider for treatment.

When the bad breath is related to your oral health, your dentist will work with you to address the condition. Some of the solutions for bad breath include:

1. Mouth rinse and toothpaste.If your case of bad breath from buildup of bacteria or plaque, your dentist may recommend that you use a mouth rinse to kill the bacteria. Your dentist may also recommend an antibacterial toothpaste which kills the bacteria which causes plaque to buildup.
2. Dental Disease Treatment.If you suffer from a form of gum disease, your dentist may refer you to a gum specialist or periodontist for treatment. Gum disease can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth. This results in deep pockets which can collect odor-causing bacteria. Sometimes professional cleaning is required to complete remove this type of bacteria.

The following methods can be used at home in order to help reduce and/or prevent bad breath:

• Brush your teeth immediately after eating.Keep a toothbrush with you at work which you can use after you eat. Brush your teeth using a fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily. Toothpaste which contains antibacterial properties has also been shown to help reduce bad breath.
• Floss once a day or more often.Proper flossing technique helps to remove food particles and plaque located between the teeth which can cause bad breath.
• Brush your tongue.The tongue can collect bacteria which can result in bad breath. Some patients have a coated tongue which is a result of significant overgrowth of bacteria. This is often caused by smoking or dry mouth. A tongue scraper or a toothbrush with a built-in tongue cleaner can be used to clean the tongue.
• Clean dentures or appliances.If you have a bridge or denture, be sure to thoroughly clean it daily or as recommended by your dentist. Patients who have a dental retainer or mouth guard should clean it before putting it in your mouth.
• Avoid having a dry mouth.In order to keep your mouth moist, avoid use of tobacco and drink a sufficient amount of water. Coffee, soft drinks and alcohol can all lead to a dry mouth. Chewing gum or sucking on a sugar-free candy can also aid in stimulating saliva.
• Make adjustments to your diet.Avoid foods like onions or garlic which can often cause bad breath. Consuming large amounts of sugary foods is also commonly connected to bad breath.
• Replace your toothbrush.Change your toothbrush about every three to four months to ensure it is working properly. Be sure to also select a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Schedule regular dental checkups.Visit your dentist on a regular basis for a routine examination and professional cleaning.

For patients who are having a dentist evaluation their bad breath, be sure to follow the tips below to help prepare for the appointment:

• The dentist will typically prefer a morning appointment to evaluate your bad breath. This reduces the likelihood that the food you consume throughout the day impacts your results.
• Do not wear perfume, scented lotions or any other scented products to your appointment as these can mask any odor in the mouth.
• Follow up with your dentist if you have taken antibiotics within the last month as the appointment may need to be rescheduled.

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