If your breath is regularly offensive, you may be looking for ways to improve its odor. Here are a few things that you can do to avoid halitosis.
Scrape Your Tongue
Many mouth odors originate from the bacteria on the tongue. Anaerobic bacteria may emit volatile compounds that contain sulfur. The stale odor that is associated with the sulfur is released in the breath.
Anaerobic bacteria build up on the tongue and form a biofilm coating. The sticky bacteria-filled material covers the tongue and causes your breath to be malodorous.
To remove the smelly biofilm, you can use a tongue scraper. The scraper efficiently rakes the biofilm from the crevices and grooves of the tongue. Once the biofilm is removed, there are fewer anaerobic bacteria and consequently fewer volatile sulfur compounds to contribute to bad breath.
Brush and Floss
Food particles that are left in the mouth after you eat can begin to deteriorate, emitting an offensive rotting smell. The trapped particles may become lodged between the teeth, along the gum line, or in the crevices of the soft tissues lining the cheeks.
As you brush and floss, trapped particles of food are dislodged and rinsed from the mouth. Be sure to use a toothbrush with a compact head so the brush can fit in the tighter spaces of the mouth. Also, if you find it difficult to use string floss, try an oral irrigator. The concentrated stream of water released by the device can remove debris as effectively as string floss can.
Use a Chlorhexidine-Based Mouthwash
Chlorhexidine is an antibacterial agent that is often added to mouth rinses to help reduce the number of microbes in the mouth. Unlike alcohol, which is also antimicrobial, chlorhexidine does not cause the tissues of the mouth to become overly dry.
Dry mouth is associated with an increase in the development of gum disease and tooth decay. It is also associated with a rise in bacterial numbers.
To use a chlorhexidine-based mouthwash, you simply swish the product about your oral cavity after brushing and flossing. As the mouthwash makes contact with the microbes within your mouth, it kills the bacteria, including those that cause bad breath.
Be sure to keep the mouthwash in place for the recommended period to ensure that it remains in place long enough to eliminate the bacteria effectively.
If your breath is offensive on a regular basis, schedule a consultation with a dentist in your local area. For more information, contact a dentist like Elizabeth Loseke DDS.
.
Share