How do I get rid of bad breath?
Dentists often smell bad breath which comes from your mouth and nose. Dentists rate the odor on a standardized scale. The dentist may scrape the back of your tongue to rate its odor as well because it is often the source of the odor.
Treating Bad Breath
Best practices to follow to minimize signs of bad breath include practicing good oral hygiene, avoiding cavities, and maintaining healthy gums. Advanced treatments used for bad breath depend on the cause. The dentist will usually refer patients to a primary care provider when their bad breath is caused by an underlying health condition.
In the event the bad breath is related to oral health issues, the dentist will work with you to address it. Some common solutions dentists use for bad breath include the following:
- Mouth Rinse and Toothpaste: If your bad breath is the result of a buildup of bacteria or plaque, your dentist may encourage you to use a mouth rinse which kills the bacteria. Your dentist may also suggest an antibacterial toothpaste.
- Dental Disease Treatment:The dentist may refer you to a gum specialist or periodontist for treatment if you have a form of gum disease. Gum disease can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth, which results in the development of deep pockets that collect odor-causing bacteria. Professional cleaning may be needed to completely remove this form of bacteria.
The following at home methods can be used to help minimize and prevent bad breath:
- Brush after you eat.Keep a toothbrush with you for use after eating. You should also brush your teeth using a fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily. Toothpaste containing antibacterial properties can also help reduce and prevent bad breath.
- Floss at least daily.Flossing aids in the removal of food particles and plaque stuck between the teeth which often causes bad breath.
- Brush the tongue.Your tongue can collect bacteria resulting in bad breath. Some patients even have a coated tongue from a significant overgrowth of bacteria. This is often from a habit of smoking or dry mouth. A tongue scraper can be helpful to clean the tongue.
- Clean dentures or other appliances.If you have a denture or another dental appliance, clean it thoroughly each day. Patients who have a dental retainer or mouth guard should also clean it before each use.
- Avoid a dry mouth.In order to keep the mouth moist, be sure to drink enough water and avoid using tobacco. Soft drinks, coffee and alcohol can lead to a dry mouth. Chewing gum or sugar-free candy can also help stimulate the production of saliva.
- Adjustment your diet.Avoid foods such as onions or garlic which often cause bad breath. Consuming foods which have a high sugar content is also commonly associated with bad breath.
- Replace your toothbrush as needed.Get a new toothbrush every three to four months. This helps ensure it is working properly. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush is also important.
- Schedule your regular dental exams and cleanings.Visit your dentist regularly for a thorough examination and professional cleaning.
The following tips are helpful for patients who are having a dentist evaluation their bad breath:
- The dentist often prefers morning appointments to evaluate bad breath. This reduces the probability that the food you are consuming throughout the day will impact the results.
- Do not wear perfume, scented lotion, or any other fragranced products to your appointment as they can mask the odor of the mouth.
Follow up with your dentist if you have recently taken antibiotics as you may need to reschedule the appointment.
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