Clinically referred to as halitosis, bad breath is an embarrassing, yet fairly common, dilemma. Foul breath is caused by poor dental hygiene, certain types of medication, and tobacco. If you’re experiencing halitosis, you should discuss the concern with your dentist. Professionals can ensure there are no infections or serious issues to address, but in the meantime, here are a few practical tips to combat the problem.

3 Tips for Combat Bad Breath

1. Upgrade Your Oral Care

Brushing isn’t enough to rid the areas between the teeth and along the gum line of odor-causing bacteria. Food particles can cling to these areas, eventually forming plaque and bacteria. In addition to brushing in the morning and evening, you should also floss every night. If you aren’t already doing so, be sure to attend your scheduled teeth cleanings and exams. Your dentist could pick up on an infection such as gingivitis, which is reversible when treated early.

2. Address Dry Mouth

Halitosis can be a byproduct of dry mouth or dehydration. If you take certain medications or sleep with your mouth open, you could be experiencing dryness which contributes to bad breath. Contrary to what many people think, the mouth needs to stay moist to keep foul-smelling agents, like bacteria, away. To address this issue, drink plenty of water each day to aid in saliva production. If increasing water intake doesn’t help, ask your dentist to recommend an alcohol-free mouthwash to stimulate saliva production.

3. Scrape Your Tongue

The tongue is host to countless germs and food particles every day, which is why it’s critically important to clean this area of your mouth, in addition to your teeth and gums. Many patients find brushing their tongue with a gentle, soft-bristled toothbrush is enough to slough away residue. If you’re experiencing chronic bad breath, you might want to try using a tongue scraper. Available at most pharmacies, these tools are specially formulated for gently removing bacteria from the tongue’s textured surface.

Whether you’re frustrating from a persistent symptom such as bad breath or simply seeking a trusted team to provide preventive dental care, Zen Dental Hawaii in Honolulu, HI, will help address your concerns. This experienced team offers an extensive range of services, including preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry, along with onsite oral surgery. Send a message online or call (808) 532-5888 to schedule and appointment.