The Secret to Fresh Breath - Richmond Dental (2024)

Bad breath is something we’ve all dealt with at one time or another; however, for some people, bad breath is a chronic problem. At Richmond Dental, most of our patients find that bad breath is embarrassing and can make them feel uncomfortable.

Wondering if you suffer from bad breath? Thoroughly wash your hands and then lick the back of your hand. Wait for about 30-60 seconds and then sniff your hand. If it doesn’t smell fresh, you may want to keep reading for some tips on how to freshen your breath!

How Bad Breath Starts

To stop bad breath, it is important to understand how bad breath starts in the first place. Here are some of the causes of bad breath:

  • There is always bacteria present in the mouth; bacteria cover your gums, teeth and even live on your tongue. As bacteria overgrowth occurs, it begins to produce toxins that cause a foul odor.
  • Using tobacco products of any kind can lead to bad breath.
  • Certain stomach issues such as ulcers, GERD, and even low-carb diets can cause bad breath.
  • The food we eat can have a direct impact on our breath; onions, garlic and other “pungent” foods can lead to foul-smelling breath.

Tips for Busting Bad Breath

Notice you often have bad breath? Fresher breath isn’t difficult to achieve with just a bit of work. Here are some tips for getting fresher breath:

  • Brush or floss your teeth after each meal; if that isn’t possible due to your schedule, be sure to carry mouthwash or floss with you to use after meals. This can not only freshen breath, but also help get rid of food debris which can feed bacteria.
  • Floss once a day to remove any trapped food or plaque; this can reduce food for odor-causing bacteria.
  • Drink plenty of water each day; dry mouth can quickly lead to foul breath.
  • If you suffer from gastrointestinal issues, ginger, mint and some other herbs can help ease your troubles.
  • Avoid using ANY tobacco products.
  • Eat a healthy diet of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Along with these lifestyle changes, it is important to schedule routine professional dental care. During your appointment at Richmond Dental, we can remove any debris and plaque buildup you might have missed.

The Secret to Fresh Breath - Richmond Dental (2024)

FAQs

The Secret to Fresh Breath - Richmond Dental? ›

Floss once a day to remove any trapped food or plaque; this can reduce food for odor-causing bacteria. Drink plenty of water each day; dry mouth can quickly lead to foul breath. If you suffer from gastrointestinal issues, ginger, mint and some other herbs can help ease your troubles. Avoid using ANY tobacco products.

How can I freshen my breath before going to the dentist? ›

Chew Sugar-Free Gum

Chewing gum stimulates the production of saliva, explains Medical News Today, and this can help to freshen your breath if the odour is caused by dry mouth. The scent of the chewing gum will help to mask underlying odours, especially if you choose strong-smelling flavours like peppermint or cinnamon.

How can I freshen my breath with periodontal disease? ›

Avoid dry mouth by keeping your mouth soft by limiting the intake of tobacco or alcoholic drinks. Drink plenty of water instead or chew gum. Adjust your diet avoid foods such as garlic which may cause bad breath. Clean your dentures or dental appliances thoroughly.

How do I keep my breath smelling fresh all day? ›

To reduce or prevent bad breath:
  1. Brush your teeth after you eat. Keep a toothbrush at work to use after eating. ...
  2. Floss at least once a day. ...
  3. Brush your tongue. ...
  4. Clean bridges, dentures, retainers and mouth guards. ...
  5. Keep your mouth moist. ...
  6. Change your diet. ...
  7. Replace your toothbrush. ...
  8. Schedule regular dental checkups.
Dec 21, 2023

Will a dental cleaning freshen breath? ›

What can a cleaning do for my breath? A dental cleaning will help remove the bacteria that cause bad breath and keep your mouth clean.

How do dentists get rid of bad breath? ›

Cleaning by a periodontist often helps to remove the bacteria, tartar, and plaque that have built up. This will ease the inflammation at the gum line. Your dentist or periodontist may tell you to use an antimicrobial mouth rinse. You may also be told to brush your tongue gently each time you brush your teeth.

How to get rid of bad breath quickly? ›

10 quick bad breath remedies to try at home
  1. Drink water. ...
  2. Rinse with warm salt water. ...
  3. Chew on cloves. ...
  4. Apple cider vinegar. ...
  5. Eat fruits and veggies. ...
  6. Make your own alcohol-free mouthwash. ...
  7. Tea tree oil. ...
  8. Floss your teeth.
Jan 26, 2022

How do I make sure my breath doesn't stink? ›

Bad breath can be reduced or prevented if you:
  1. Brush and floss more often. Practice good oral hygiene. ...
  2. Rinse your mouth out. ...
  3. Scrape your tongue. ...
  4. Avoid foods that sour your breath. ...
  5. Skip after-dinner mints and chew gum instead. ...
  6. Keep your gums healthy. ...
  7. Moisten your mouth. ...
  8. Keep your dental devices clean.
Feb 14, 2023

Why does my breath stink even after brushing? ›

Halitosis — or bad breath — may be due to poor oral hygiene, but this isn't always the case. It can also occur due to a number of health conditions, including dry mouth, heartburn or even disease in another part of your body. Treatment for halitosis depends on the underlying cause.

Why does my breath stink so fast? ›

Smoking, not keeping your mouth clean and some medicines also can play a part, as can dry mouth, infections of the mouth and some diseases. In addition, other conditions such as GERD or cancer can lead to bad breath.

What mouthwash is best for bad breath? ›

Best Mouthwash Options for Bad Breath
  • TheraBreath Fresh Breath Oral Rinse: TheraBreath is a popular choice among those struggling with chronic bad breath. ...
  • Listerine Cool Mint Antiseptic Mouthwash: Listerine is a household name when it comes to mouthwash, and their Cool Mint Antiseptic formula is no exception.
Aug 2, 2023

Does bad breath go away after scaling and root planing? ›

Fortunately, a deep cleaning procedure, also known as non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) or scaling and root planing (SRP), can be a game-changer for combatting bad breath and improving overall oral health.

Why does my breath smell bad after getting my teeth cleaned? ›

Certain foods and beverages can contribute to bad breath, even after a dental cleaning. Foods like garlic, onions, and certain spices contain compounds that can produce strong odors when digested and then released into the bloodstream, eventually affecting the breath.

Will a dentist tell you if you have bad breath? ›

Halitosis Test

The best and surest way to confirm the presence of bad breath problems is to fix up an appointment with your dentist. Using an instrument known as halimeter, the dentist will measure the sulfide molecule composition of your saliva, and compare it with prescribed levels in normal saliva.

How to make your breath smell good without brushing your teeth? ›

Aside from brushing your teeth, you can rinse your teeth and gums with water to get rid of bad breath. The easiest and quickest way to clean your mouth is with a glass of water, just take a sip and gargle. This should loosen up any surface dirt on your teeth and anything that is stuck within the teeth.

How do you cover bad breath from tooth decay? ›

Chewing on parsley or mint leaves can temporarily relieve bad breath due to their natural deodorizing properties and pleasant aroma. Swishing oil—like coconut oil—in the mouth for a few minutes is a traditional practice known as “oil pulling,” which may help lower bacteria and enhance oral hygiene.

How to neutralize bad breath from the stomach? ›

How to Eliminate Bad Breath From the Stomach
  1. Avoid your triggers. Take note of triggers like spicy food, dairy, stress, or other things that seem to make your bad breath worse so you can steer clear of them.
  2. Chew gum. ...
  3. Keep a healthy mouth. ...
  4. Consider a probiotic.

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