Do you find yourself constantly reaching for mints or gum throughout the day? As a dental studio, we are well versed in how embarrassing, uncomfortable, and difficult bad breath can be. Luckily, at Cakmes Dental Studio, we also know the cures for it. 

Good Oral Hygiene

Pretty much everything comes back to having good oral hygiene, so much so that we’ve detailed it in previous blogs! As a refresher, you should brush your teeth at least twice a day (don’t forget your tongue!) and floss at least once for the healthiest mouth. If you’re finding that this isn’t enough to fight off that halitosis, try brushing your teeth after every meal or strong drink, such as coffee; try to limit the amount of coffee, alcohol, and soft drinks you consume.

Also, ensure that you drink plenty of water throughout the day, as this can help prevent bacteria build-up. Water is the number one stimulator of saliva, which also helps to fight off bacteria. You may notice that your breath smells and tastes worse when your mouth is dry, and these are the reasons why! 

Home Remedies

If these daily routines still aren’t cutting it, there are more things that you can do at home to help reduce your halitosis. The first is to get a new (and possibly better) toothbrush. In 2021, we recommend using an electric toothbrush and tossing the manual brush to the side. The electric toothbrush helps reach more places than a manual toothbrush; it can remove more plaque buildup from your teeth and gums and ensures that you brush for a full two minutes each time. 

Ensure that you replace your toothbrush head every three to four months; new brushes remove more plaque than a heavily used one and firm bristles are more effective against preventing bacterial growth. Using an older toothbrush or toothbrush head could easily contribute to your bad breath, as you are essentially brushing your teeth with extra bacteria and fungal particles. 

Visit Your Dentist

You should schedule routine cleanings twice a year to ensure that your teeth and gums are in the best health possible. If all of the above remedies don’t work, let your dentist know! Our tools can provide a deeper cleaning and more plaque and bacterial removal. In addition, we know other tricks of the trade for fighting bad breath, such as discontinuing the use of specific medicines (as mentioned in a recent Ted Lasso episode!).

No one wants bad breath, and luckily, there are many ways to fight against it. If you or someone you know is suffering from halitosis, give these at-home remedies a shot! If you’re still not happy, head to our Knoxville, TN studio for a deeper look and a more personalized diagnosis. We’re here to help your oral hygiene be the best it can be, and minty fresh breath goes right along with that. Give us a call to schedule your next appointment or ask any questions you may have about fighting halitosis or any other ailments your mouth may present to you.

Halitosis is different from the usual “morning breath” or strong smell that stays after eating a tuna sandwich. It’s chronic bad breath that extends for a certain period of time and can be a sign of something more serious.

What causes halitosis?

Chronic bad breath can be a symptom that something is going on with your body, including:

• Dental issues
  Cavities and gum disease are common mouth issues that can cause halitosis. Both of these conditions create extra places for bad breath-causing bacteria to hide, making them more difficult to clear out when brushing or flossing.
• Dry mouth
  Your saliva plays an important role in your dental health. It helps remove unwanted leftovers in your mouth and aids in the breakdown of food. If you don’t make enough saliva, you may suffer from bad breath. This can happen as a result of medications, certain conditions, smoking, and excessive alcohol use.
• ENT infections
  Infections of the ears, nose, and throat may cause bad breath. It’s because the bacteria feed on the mucus that the body produces when it’s battling an infection.

What are the remedies for halitosis?

Fortunately, there are ways you can do to fix your bad breath problem.

1. Maintain good oral hygiene
   Many cases of halitosis are linked to poor oral hygiene. If you don’t brush and floss your teeth very well, the mouth breaks down the tiny pieces of food that are caught between your teeth. This can produce an odor similar to rotten eggs.
   
   Also, if you don’t brush and floss your teeth well, it can provide a very suitable environment for bad breath-causing bacteria to thrive.
2. Don’t forget to scrape your tongue
   Regular brushing and flossing helps but it’s not enough. Remember, the tongue also houses tons of food particles. So, it’s important to include it as part of your oral hygiene routine.
   
   Get your tongue cleaned by brushing it or using a tongue scraper.
3. Check in with your dentist
   If you’ve been consistent with your oral hygiene routine and still suffer from bad breath, you may want to schedule an appointment with your dentist. With a good, thorough cleaning and exam, your dentist can determine what causes your halitosis and can advise you on your next steps.
   
   Cakmes Dental Studio has well-experienced dental staff who can help you with any dental health issues. We take pride in the quality of dental care we provide to our patients. To request for an appointment, you can call us at (865) 584-6163.

References:

https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/natural-home-remedies-for-bad-breath#1

https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/h/halitosis