Everyone has survived bad breath several times in their lives. It could become a dental problem if a strong odor continues on your breath after brushing, and even mouthwash does not help.

 

Your dental team can analyze your breath and then compare it to the breath from your nose, rating the odor difference on a predetermined scale. The back of your tongue is often the source of the odor, so your dentist can scrape it and then rate the odor again afterwards.

 

There are also sophisticated odor detectors that can identify the chemicals creating your bad breath, but they are not used very often.

 

Treatment for your Bad Breath

 

To decrease your bad breath, begin by improving your oral hygiene habits to avoid cavities and to lower the risk of gum disease. Additional treatment can vary, depending on the source. If your bad breath is the result of an underlying health condition, your dentist can refer you to your primary care provider.

 

If the primary source is affiliated with your oral health, your dentist and hygienist can collaborate with you to help you manage and control the issue. Dental measures might include:

 

1. Mouth Rinses and Toothpastes- If your bad breath is because of an accumulation of plaque on your teeth, your dentist can recommend a mouth rinse that destroys excess bacteria. They can also recommend toothpaste with an antibacterial agent to remove the bacteria creating the buildup.
2. Treatment of a Dental Disease- If you are struggling with gum disease, you might be referred to a periodontist. Gum disease causes your gums to pull away from your teeth, creating sagging pockets that easily fill with bacteria. Professional teeth cleaning will eliminate these bacteria. You might also need to replace any tooth restorations that are failing.

 

At Home Treatments

 

To reduce or prevent bad breath:

 

1. Brush your Teeth- Brush with a toothpaste that contains fluoride twice a day, two minutes each time, especially following meals. Toothpaste with antibacterial components can reduce your bad breath.
2. Floss at Least Once a Day- Proper flossing will remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth, which can also help control bad breath.
3. Brush your Tongue- Your tongue retains bacteria as well, so brushing it can also reduce odor. You might have a tongue coated with excessive bacteria, from either smoking or dry mouth, and therefore would benefit from a simple tongue scraper.
4. Clean Dentures or Dental Appliances- If you have a restoration such as a bridge or a denture, clean it every day. If you use a mouth guard or retainer, clean it every single time you put it in your mouth.
5. Avoid Dry Mouth- Keep your mouth moist, drink plenty of water, and avoid coffee, soft drinks, alcohol, and tobacco, which can lead to dry mouth. Chewing sugarless gum stimulates more saliva. For a persistent dry mouth, your dentist might prescribe medication to stimulate more saliva flow.
6. Adjust your Diet- Avoid foods like onions or garlic that naturally cause bad breath. Sugary foods can also cause bad breath.
7. Get a New Toothbrush- Replace your toothbrush every three months and use a soft-bristle toothbrush.
8. Schedule Regular Dental Checkups- Schedule an appointment with your dentist regularly, twice a year, to have your teeth and gums both examined and professionally cleaned.

 

Related Article: What causes bad breath even after brushing?