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10 ways to prevent bad breath

March 12 2021

Bad breath, or halitosis, is a very common problem and there can be many different causes. One of the biggest reasons for bad breath is poor dental hygiene. If you do not brush and floss properly, leftover food particles in the mouth start to decay. If you’re worried about bad breath, there are some subtle signs to look out for. You might find people step away from you when you start to talk or turn their cheek when you kiss them goodbye. However, the good news is there are lots of things you can do to help! Keep reading to find out how just a few small changes can make a huge difference…

1. Brush your teeth after you eat. Seems an obvious one but brushing after each meal (even at work) can help to reduce breath odours.
2. Floss at least once a day. Proper flossing removes food particles and plaque from between your teeth, helping to control bad breath.
3. Drink lots of water. This helps keep odour under control as it washes away food particles and bacteria, the main cause of bad breath.
4. Clean your tongue from debris and bacteria. The easiest way to clean your tongue is to use a soft-bristled toothbrush, however, a tongue scraper can do the job too.
5. Clean dentures or dental appliances. If you wear a bridge or a denture, clean it thoroughly at least once a day or as directed by your dentist. If you have a dental retainer or mouth guard, clean it before you put it in your mouth.
6. Watch what you eat. Avoiding foods such as onions and garlic as they can cause bad breath. Also, eating a lot of sugary foods is linked with bad breath so keep this to a minimum.
7. Regularly get a new toothbrush. Change your toothbrush when it becomes frayed, about every three to four months, and choose a soft-bristled toothbrush.
8. Visit your dentist. Regular dental check-ups, generally twice a year will help to keep your teeth and gums in good condition.
9. Use a mouthwash. Rinsing daily with an antiseptic mouthwash can help kill off the bacteria. It can also wash away the food particles from hard-to-reach places, leaving your mouth clean from bacteria.
10. Make some lifestyle changes. Things such as quitting smoking and eating healthy can really help to maintain good oral health.

If you have already practiced good oral care but still have bad breath, it might be time to see your dentist. It’s important to check if your breath is being caused by a more serious issue.

If you’re looking for a dentist in Norwich contact us today.