Good oral hygiene practice - Brush your teeth at least twice daily with ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste and a toothbrush. Dental floss removes food debris and plaque between teeth and gum lines every day. Brush or use a tongue scraper to clean the tongue and reach the back area. Replace the toothbrush every 2 to 3 months. If you wear dentures or detachable bridges, clean them thoroughly and put them back into your mouth in the morning.
Dentists visit regularly - at least twice a year to check and clean. If you have or have had periodontal disease, your dentist will suggest more frequent visits.
Quit smoking/chewing tobacco - Ask your dentist what they recommend to help quit smoking.
Drink water often - Water will help you keep your mouth moist and wash away bacteria.
Use mouthwash/mouthwash - Some over-the-counter products only provide temporary solutions to mask unpleasant halitosis. Ask your dentist about disinfecting mouth rinses, which can not only relieve bad breath but also kill the bacteria that cause problems.
In most cases, your dentist can treat the cause of bad breath. If it is determined that your mouth is healthy but bad breath persists, your dentist may refer you to your doctor to determine the cause of the odor and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
