Everyone has bad breath from time to time. In fact, for one in four adults in the UK, it’s a regular problem. You can avoid the shame and embarrassment of bad breath.
Knowing what stale breath is, its causes, and how to treat it before it turns into halitosis (a condition that causes bad breath) is important to ensure that your friends and colleagues aren’t kept at bay.
But what if you don’t even know you have a problem with smelly breath? Knowing the signs of foul-smelling breath (an unpleasant odor in the mouth), its causes, and its treatment are all fairly straightforward.
6 Ways How To Get Rid Of Bad Breath Permanently
Bad breath typically originates from the mouth, where bacteria are ever-present. When you eat, the food particles get stuck in your teeth, where bacteria grow, releasing foul-smelling sulfur compounds.
Proper Oral Hygiene is the best way to keep your mouth and teeth clean and have a fresh breath. Here are some of the best ways how to get rid of smelly breath permanently using oral care tips at home.
Brush Regularly For At Least Two Minutes
To combat unpleasant breath, it is crucial to brush your teeth regularly, at least two times a day, for healthy teeth and gums and to prevent oral odor.
Brush properly all the surfaces of your teeth for up to two minutes, especially the back of the teeth where cavities form, to have a clean and fresh-smelling breath.
Do not forget to brush your teeth early in the morning and at night before going to bed.
Some people find brushing necessary after every meal to prevent bad breath and tooth decay. To prevent bacteria from growing on food stuck in your teeth, you must floss at least once per day.
Use Fluoride Toothpaste
The type and amount of toothpaste that you use for your kid also matters the most. Choose fluoride toothpaste that helps maintain clean and healthy teeth and gums.
It also leads to fresh breath, fights against odor-causing bacteria, and leaves you with a minty, clean feeling.
Floss At Least Once A Day
Flossing isn’t done just for dislodging food wedged between your teeth.
Regular flossing also reduces gum disease and prevents bad breath by removing plaque.
It’s best to floss before brushing your teeth.
Use Tongue Cleaner To Clean Your Tongue
Are you confused about where the bad breath comes from?
It’s probably your unclean tongue that smells, and it doesn’t matter how talkative you are, you must clean your teeth on a regular basis to have a fresh breath.
Plaque occurs not only on the teeth and crevices but also on the tongue, which over time causes a major foul breath if you do not brush correctly.
Use Mouthwash And Sugar-Free Chewing Gums
Using a mouthwash containing fluoride can help to prevent tooth decay, but avoid using mouthwash (with fluoride) immediately after brushing your teeth.
Choose a different time to use mouthwash, probably after lunch, and avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes after using a fluoride mouthwash. And use sugar-free chewing gums to prevent bad breath.
Get Regular Dental Checkups And Cleanings
Even the most dutiful flossers and brushes consult a doctor for oral care. You should see your dentist for cleaning and checkups from time to time and at least twice a year.
Not only will a dentist remove calculus and look for cavities, but they will also spot the potential cause of other upcoming issues and offer treatment solutions to prevent and stop any dental problems.
What To Do If Your Mouth Smells Bad Even After Brushing
If you wonder why my mouth smells bad even after brushing, then here are some of the main causes of breath odor that you may not be aware of.
To have a clean and freshly smelling breath, you must avoid these habits –
Quit Smoking
Smoking can cause dry mouth which causes bad breath and also increases the risk of gum disease. Untreated gum disease can damage gum tissues and can lead to loss of teeth and bones around your teeth.
Avoid Alcohol, Tobacco, And Caffeine
If you have a bad taste in your mouth, you most probably have a bad odor that other people can smell. Avoid drinking alcohol, using tobacco products, and excessive caffeine intake to avoid bad breath.
Chew Fresh Parsley Leaves After Meals
Avoid foods that causes nasty breath, such as onions and garlic, may also help to prevent bad odour. Parsley is a popularly known remedy for treating bad breath. Studies have shown that parsley can effectively combat foul sulfur compounds.
Tablets To Stop Bad Breath
Bad breath may be caused due to poor oral hygiene, but this isn’t always the case, and you may be having it due to certain health conditions.
Halitosis
Halitosis is a very common and widespread condition that affects one out of four people around the world. It causes symptoms like foul-smelling breath that doesn’t go away.
The odor of the breath can be strong enough for people to notice. Bad breath can be caused due to a person’s poor oral hygiene, cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease.
There are many tablets to stop offensive breath and a course of an antibiotic that is effective against bacteria (such as metronidazole) to reduce the overgrowth of sulfur-producing bacteria in the mouth.
Speak to your dentist to examine the cause of bad breath (Halitosis) and get the most effective treatment for you.
Key Takeaways
Now that you know how to get rid of bad breath permanently, you must start and maintain proper oral hygiene to prevent bad odor and have a fresh breath throughout the day.
By following these simple ways how to get rid of bad breath fast to keep your teeth healthy and odor-free, you can ensure that your teeth stay strong and beautiful for years to come. And if you want to get expert advice from the best pediatric dentists, Dacula Dental is here to help.
We have a team of experienced and professional dentists who can help you treat Halitosis (bad breath) with the utmost care and expertise. Book an appointment now to know more.
Oral Hygiene, A Habit That Pays Off
Tooth extraction can be a horrible feeling and the worst nightmare for most people. If your dentist advises you to do a tooth extraction, it means your tooth either cannot be saved by any dental treatment or will be harmful to your oral health if it remains in place or is not extracted immediately.
Even with proper oral and dental care, your tooth age may decay or break. In several cases, it can be repaired with fillings and crowns. But, if the damage or decay is excessive, the tooth should immediately be removed.
What Are The Risks Of Tooth Extractions
There are few risks associated with undergoing tooth extractions, but if it is recommended by your dentist, then it is necessary, and its benefits can likely outweigh the chances of complications.
Usually, after a tooth extraction, a blood clot is formed in the socket or the bone from where the tooth is extracted. But, if the blood clot is not formed, the socket will be left exposed, referred to as a dry socket.
However, if it happens, the dentist will protect it by putting a sedative dressing over it for a few days.
Other risks associated with tooth extraction are –
- Bleeding that lasts for up to or longer than 12 hours
- Severe chills or fever causing infection
- Nausea, vomiting, or cough
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling and redness at the surgical part
Dentists Can Extract Teeth Without Cutting
Tooth extraction is a process of removal of a tooth from its socket. A dentist performs it, usually under local anesthesia. It is a common tooth extraction procedure that is only done when necessary.
Your dentist can extract all teeth without cutting if the tooth damage or decay is not severe and you decide to contact a dentist before worsening it.
A dentist can decide whether he can extract teeth without cutting or if a surgical tooth extraction procedure is required based on several factors, like age and the condition of the teeth and their surrounding tissues.
Some individuals can handle tooth extractions without any issues, while some may experience symptoms like swelling in the face or pain in the jaw joint area after the procedure.
Why Tooth Extraction Is Done
Tooth extraction may not seem complicated, but it should be done by a professional or by visiting an oral surgeon. Some of the most common reasons for tooth removal are –
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Impacted wisdom teeth
Wisdom teeth are molars that come through last in the back of your mouth and are usually seen in your late teens or early 20s.
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Severe decay
A tooth decay that has progressed to the point of injection, abscess formation, or loss of a large portion of the tooth.
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Serious broken or fractured teeth
A tooth that has cracked or broken exposes the nerve inside the tooth and causes significant pain that usually requires immediate dental attention.
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The tooth or molar broke
A break at the gumline can expose sensitive nerves, leading to mild pain, potential infection, and it can cause many serious complications if not treated properly.
Simple Extraction
It is a dental procedure in which a dentist removes a visible tooth that’s not cracked or under the gumline or extract all teeth. Dentists prefer simple tooth extraction when a tooth is above the gumline and can be removed by your dentist.
Generally, dentists carry out this procedure using a local anesthetic to numb the affected part and reduce the pain experienced by the patients.
There are certain instruments used to elevate the affected tooth and grasp the visible portion, such as an elevator and dental forceps, to elevate the affected part as needed. The elevator is used to loosen the tooth and forceps to grasp the tooth for extraction.
The tooth is moved back and forth in order to break the periodontal ligament and loosen the tooth from the alveolar bone to make it easily removable. It requires the application of a controlled force on the tooth with steady pressure with the help of dental forceps.
Surgical Extractions
If your dentist needs to remove the gum tissue or bone to extract teeth, then you need surgical extraction. With today’s technology and dental teeth whitening advancement, it can be easily performed with comfort and safety.
There are several reasons why your dentist may recommend you to undergo a surgical tooth extraction. The most common reason is an impacted tooth, which is stuck beneath the gum line and is not visible.
You may need surgical extraction if your tooth is severely damaged or decayed, and it can’t be saved through other dental care or treatments or cannot be removed with simple procedures.
Surgical tooth extraction may also be necessary if you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment and need tooth removal to make room for other teeth.
Post Operative Instructions
After tooth extraction, blood clot formation is important to reduce and stop the bleeding and start the healing process. That’s why dentists advise you to bite on a gauze pad for up to 45 minutes after the surgery.
If the bleeding persists, you must insert another gauze pad and bite for 30 minutes more. You may have to do this several times until the bleeding persists.
- Do not wash your mouth or spit for 24 hours
- Keep your fingers and tongue away from the socket (avoid licking)
- Use an ice pad on the surgical area
- Use prescribed medication to reduce severe pain
- Drink enough fluids, but avoid using straws
- Do not smoke for at least 5 days after surgery
- Avoid any physical activity and do not exercise
- Use warm salt water to wash your mouth after meals
- Include soft foods that are easily swallowed and cool drinks in your diet
Key Takeaways
Although you can experience pain with tooth extraction, whether it is simple (extract teeth without cutting) or surgical tooth extraction, your dentist can eliminate that pain with local anesthesia and medications during the extraction.
Everybody heals from tooth extraction pain at a different rate, and most people will experience tenderness in the area that lasts only for a few days.
Oral Care, The Key To A Healthy Smile
Reference Site-
Oral Surgery, Extraction of Teeth June 1, 2023. [NIH]
Most people believe that soft drinks that are labeled sugar-free are safe for oral health, but unfortunately, they are not much better than the other sugar-filled alternatives because of their potential to cause tooth enamel and erosion.
Sugar can lead to damaged teeth when it is fermented with bacteria in the mouth and produces acid. While sugar-free drinks do not directly lead to cavities, they weaken the enamel, which can cause a host of problems.
Everyone must be aware that sugar-filled drinks, sodas, and juices are bad when it comes to maintaining oral health. Here are some of the drinks that cause cavities, sensitivity, and tooth enamel that can damage your teeth.
How Sugar-Free Drinks Damage Teeth
Drinks that are lower in sugar decrease the risk of causing tooth decay, but drinking diet or sugar-free beverages does not entirely remove the risk of tooth damage. Many drinks contain multiple acids and have low PH value.
Most people think that switching from regular drinks to diet sodas will be the best decision to keep their teeth healthy. Unfortunately, they often contain no sugar. Diet sodas usually cause the same dental problems as regular sodas.
According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), men are more likely to consume sugary drinks and sodas. In comparison, teenage boys get about 273 calories from sugar drinks a day.
When you consume soda, the sugar it contains interacts with bacterias in the mouth and forms an acid that attacks your teeth.
With every sip of soda, you are starting a damaging reaction that lasts for 20 minutes, and if you sip all day, your teeth are under constant acid attack that can damage teeth.
Beverages That Causes Tooth Enamel And Cavities
Consuming sugary food and drinks that are high in sugar and acids plays a vital role in the development of cavities.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends limiting sugars to less than 10% of your total sugar intake and aiming for 5%.
Read through the following beverages to understand how they affect your oral health.
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Diet Sodas
Soft drinks contain inherent acids and sugars with acidogenic and cariogenic potential and its consumption can cause dental erosion and cavities overtime.
While diet soda may not contain the same amount of sugar as other regular sodas, it still contains acid, which is bad news for your oral health.
If you do drink soda, then you must have a glass of water afterward to wash off your mouth and those teeth-harming sugars and acids.
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Soft Drinks
Soft drinks are full of sugar and acids that can damage teeth enamel, which is not good for your oral health. When drinks are carbonated, they have higher acidic levels, which are more likely to cause dental erosion.
Diet soft drinks are still highly acidic in nature, which can cause dental erosion. Every sip of a soft drink results in an acid attack on the protective enamel around your teeth for about 20 minutes.
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Fruit juice
Many fruit juices, such as orange and lemonade juice, contain natural sugars and citric acid that wear away tooth enamel. Enamel erosion can ultimately lead to cavities.
The best approach to fruit juice is to have it as an occasional treat that you drink, along with plenty of water to wash off your mouth instantly.
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Energy drinks
Like soda, energy drinks also contain very high levels of sugar and acid that often lead to both cavities and teeth erosion.
A single energy drink may contain about 21 to 34 grams of sugar in every ounce of drinks. Consuming energy drinks is associated with about a twofold increase in dental erosion.
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Sports drinks
While sports drinks are marketed as healthy and nutritious, they are high in sugar content and are ineffective for athletic performance.
Most professional athletes follow carefully managed diets that are healthier and rich in nutrients.
They don’t drink sports drinks; instead, they choose healthier options that won’t weaken their teeth.
Best Drinks Options For Healthier And Stronger Teeth
Here are some of the best drink options you should opt for in order to have healthier teeth and a brighter smile, which also aids in your physical health by making you healthier.
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Water
It is no surprise that water comes first when it comes to oral and physical health. Water helps in keeping your mouth clean by washing away leftover food particles stuck in your mouth that bacteria thrive on, causing cavities that can damage teeth.
It also prevents the risk of dry mouth, a common risk factor for tooth decay. It doesn’t contain any sugar or acid to wear on your tooth enamel, and drinking water can fight off cavities, too.
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Milk
Milk is a fantastic option often recommended by dentists especially for children to maintain sugar and dental health. Milk is highly rich in calcium, proteins, vitamins, and minerals that improve your oral health and help in growth and development.
Calcium is known to strengthen the enamel of your teeth, preventing them from becoming infected with tooth decay and cavities.
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Sparkling Water
Plain sparkling water, which contains no added sugars or citric flavoring, is one of the best beverage options for your teeth. However, sparkling water is carbonated, and it contains a higher acid level than plain water.
But the acidity in plain sparkling water is so low that its effects on teeth are about the same as those of noncarbonated or plain tap water.
However, using sparkling water with added sugar or citric flavoring will negatively impact your teeth.
Key Takeaways
Constantly sipping sugary drinks throughout the day can leave your teeth open to acidic attacks for a longer time. This only habit causes dental erosion leading to sensitive teeth and that can damage teeth.
To keep your teeth stronger and healthier, eliminate sugar and acidic beverages from your diet altogether to improve your overall oral health, but that’s not always a practical goal.
However, you must take a step in the right direction by cutting off unhealthy drinks you consume and replacing them with healthier options like water, milk, and unsweetened tea.
Healthy Habits For A Healthier And Brighter Smile