Halitosis, also known as bad breath, is a common issue people face even if they go to the dentist regularly. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to maintain your oral health while keeping your breath fresh and pleasant. Follow these tips every day to be proactive about preventing halitosis.

How to Prevent Foul Breath

1. Brush

Brush your teeth for two minutes twice per day – once in the morning and once before bed. To keep bacteria out of your mouth, don’t consume anything other than water after brushing your teeth at night. Some people may choose to brush a third time after they eat their lunch, which isn’t necessary but can help keep your meal off your breath.

2. Floss

Since brushing only scrubs the surfaces, use floss to remove the debris that gets stuck between teeth and causes bad breath. Floss at least once daily, holding the string in a C shape around every tooth as you move it up and down. If you’re unsure what the proper flossing technique is, your dentist can show you.

3. Clean the Tongue

Smelly residue can build up on the tongue and in the folds underneath it. Either purchase a tongue scraper or use your toothbrush to brush your tongue once a day.

4. Use Mouthwash

Although mouthwash can’t supplement regular brushing, dentists recommend swishing this liquid to enhance your everyday oral hygiene routine. Mouthwash will flush out remaining debris and kills most of the bacteria in the mouth. Many formulas feature a mint flavor, which will leave you with fresh breath.

To keep bad breath at bay, visit the dentists at Oahu Dental Care every six months for a checkup and a cleaning. During your appointments, these professionals will identify and remedy any issue that could cause chronic halitosis, such as gingivitis or a cavity. Call (808) 456-5005 to make an appointment at the Pearl City office, or dial (808) 732-2821 to book a cleaning at the Honolulu location. View their services online, or read the latest customer reviews on Yelp.