What To Do About Bad Breath

Usually it is relatively easy to find products on store shelves that will aid in covering up bad breath (halitosis), to really truly get rid of bad breath, you need to find the source and get rid of it or improve the situation that is causing the bad breath.

The single best prevention of bad breath is good oral care (dental hygiene).

If you try commercial products, and practice good dental hygiene and stay away from foods that cause bad breath and do not drink or smoke and you still notice bad breath, it is time to see your physician or dentist.

Those who do smoke or drink alcoholic beverages and notice frequent bad breath should see a dentist so that they can be checked for perodontal disease.

A physical examination will help to detect the cause of bad breath or at least eliminate some possible causes.

There are plenty of things that you can do at home to cure bad breath or prevent bad breath. Good dental hygiene is important when it comes to preventing halitosis (bad breath).

Good dental hygiene includes:

Brushing each tooth surface (back, front and tops). Brush after each meal. You can keep a brush with you for when you are at work.

You should floss at least once a day to remove food particles and plaque between your teeth that your tooth brush won't be able to reach.

It is important to scrape the deposits off your tongue (especially the back) because bacteria can reside there and that causes bad breath. You can brush your tongue with a soft-bristled toothbrush or use a commercial product to scrape the tongue. Really brush the middle of your tongue well.

If you have dentures be sure to clean them thoroughly at least once a day or as directed by your dentist.

Water helps to keep your mouth moist and your saliva production adequate. Saliva helps to cleanse your mouth. You can also use sugarless chewing gum to moisten your mouth when water is not available. If you suffer from chronic dry mouth your physician or dentist can help you by prescribing an artificial saliva preparation or give you an oral medication that will help to stimulate the flow of saliva.

You should change your toothbrush every three to four months and use one with soft bristles.

It is important to see your dentist every 6 months so that any new mouth problems can be discovered early on when preventative measures can be taken to ensure they don't create trouble for you.

Help kids 5 years of age and younger to brush their teeth properly and teach them how to do it for themselves by the time they are 8 years of age. Children should not use mouthwash products because most contain alcohol and can cause a health risk to children if they swallow the mouthwash.