7 Easy Tips to Improve Bad Breath

At Access Dental & Dentures we are often asked if there are any solutions for bad breath. If you happen to be someone that frequently has bad breath, even after brushing, the tips below from our Southern Missouri dentists may help you fix that problem. A little extra TLC may be all that is needed.

Brush or Scrape Your Tongue
It's important for your overall oral health to brush your teeth at least twice a day, but you should also be using the toothbrush on your tongue. Bacteria and other particles can attach to your tongue and need more than just a drink of water to remove them. You can also find tongue scrapers at the drugstore that are made specifically for this task. If this tip doesn't help, you may need to increase your brushing routine to after every meal. 

Floss Daily
Flossing each day is vital to cleaning hard to reach spaces in your mouth. This will help to remove food particles and bacteria that hide in there. When that stuff sits in your mouth too long it can react with saliva and create a foul odor.

Add Mouthwash to Your Routine
Mouthwash is a quick and effective way to freshen your breath. While brushing and flossing can clean the surfaces of your teeth and in between, mouthwash can help to clean your entire mouth, reaching places those other tools cannot.

Replace Your Toothbrush
It could help to replace your toothbrush every few months. After a period of time, and especially if it does not have the chance to dry properly, a toothbrush may begin to fill up with germs and bacteria. Then the act of brushing isn't helping the way it should.

Drink Plenty of Water
Water is good for every part of your body. Keeping your mouth hydrated can help oral functions work the way they should. Even though swishing with water won't get rid of the bacteria and food particles in your mouth as well as brushing, it will aid the process and help to keep your breath fresh. 

Pay Attention to Foods You Eat
If the bad breath isn't present all of the time, it could be caused by specific foods you eat. Make note of what you've most recently eaten when you have bad breath and see if there is a pattern. Eating crispy, fresh fruits and vegetables can help to scrape other food particles off of your teeth and gums when you chew them. Chewing on sugarless gum or sucking on sugarless candy can stimulate saliva flow and help to wash away bacteria that cause bad breath.

Stop Smoking
Smoking or using other tobacco products could be causing your bad breath. Tobacco dries out your mouth and can leave an unpleasant odor behind, even after you have brushed your teeth. If you have been looking for another excuse to quit, this could be it.


Chronic bad breath could be a sign that there is a bigger problem, such as a cavity or other infection. If the tips above do not help, you should schedule an appointment at one of our dentist offices in Southern Missouri. The skilled and trustworthy team at Access Dental & Dentures will help you to freshen that breath and get your life back to normal.

We want to be your dentist because your family deserves a great smile! 

1-877-DENTIST

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