Bad breath, or halitosis, can be embarrassing and severely limit your social life. Although it’s often caused by poor dental hygiene and missing or decaying teeth, there are many other reasons you might have bad breath that isn’t linked to your teeth.

Regardless of what’s causing your bad breath, there are ways to get rid of it to lead a more confident life! Here are some ways to get rid of bad breath and improve your dental health.

Brush At Least Twice A Day

You should brush your teeth at least twice daily to remove plaque and bacteria that can cause bad breath. Be sure to use a toothbrush with soft bristles and toothpaste that contains fluoride. Don’t forget to brush your tongue, too! In addition to brushing, you should also floss daily and see your dentist regularly for professional cleanings.

Use The Right Brushing Technique

When brushing your teeth, you want to ensure you’re using the right technique. That means using gentle circular motions and ensuring you reach all surfaces of your teeth. You also want to avoid scrubbing too hard and damaging your enamel.

Floss Daily

One of the best ways to get rid of bad breath is to floss daily. Flossing removes plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums, which can cause bad breath. Plus, it’s good for your overall dental health. Here’s how to floss correctly:

  • Start with 18 inches of floss.
  • Wrap most of the floss around your middle finger, leaving an inch or two to work with. -Insert the end of the floss between one tooth and then another, making sure you go in as far as possible without causing any discomfort.
  • Use a back-and-forth motion to remove food particles and plaque between each tooth.
  • When you have reached all of your teeth on one side, wrap the other end of the floss around your index finger and repeat this process on the other side.

Use Mouthwash Regularly

You should use mouthwash regularly to help kill the bacteria that cause bad breath. Look for a mouthwash that contains fluoride, which will help to protect your teeth from cavities. Be sure to swish the mouthwash around in your mouth for at least 30 seconds before spitting it out. You can also use a tongue scraper to help remove bacteria from your tongue.

Schedule Regular Dental Checkups

While regular dental checkups are important for keeping your teeth and gums healthy, they can also help you avoid bad breath. That’s because your dentist can spot early signs of gum disease, which is a common cause of bad breath. So be sure to schedule an appointment every six months.