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Bad breath, or halitosis, can be caused by poor dental hygiene, dental problems, or a medical problem. While occasional bad breath is normal, chronic bad breath may be a sign of a dental or medical problem. If your bad breath persists, see your dentist to rule out a dental or medical cause. Here are a few tips and tricks from the Best dentist in Louisville, KY to eliminate bad breath:

Brushing Your Teeth Daily

The American Dental Association says that you should brush your teeth for two minutes at least twice a day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gently move it in gentle circles across every surface of your face. Be sure to also gently brush your cheeks, gums, and the roof of your mouth.

Flossing Daily

Your gums and teeth need to be cleaned daily by a process called "flossing." Flossing removes plaque bacteria from between the teeth and under your gum line that your toothbrush can't reach. People who floss regularly have healthier teeth and gums. If gum disease is caught and treated early, it's easier to reverse than if it's ignored for many years. This is why flossing your teeth is so important!

Plaque can still build up between teeth even if you brush them twice a day. Food particles get lodged in crevices and deep between teeth, and without flossing, the leftover food rots and leads to bad breath and cavities. The faster you remove this plaque by flossing, the better you'll feel! 

Brushing Your Tongue

Your tongue can hold a lot of bacteria! The Best Dentist in Louisville, KY, says to make sure to brush your tongue using a toothbrush or a tongue scraper to prevent bad breath. Be sure to rinse your mouth with water after you brush your teeth and tongue to remove any leftover bacteria and food debris.

Schedule Regular Dental Checkups With The Best Dentist in Louisville, KY

Maintaining a regular oral hygiene routine at home is important in preventing bad breath. However, you should also schedule regular professional cleanings at your Dentist in Louisville, KY's office. During your regular visits, a thorough exam will be performed, and professional teeth cleanings will be provided as well. Professional teeth cleanings are beneficial because they remove tartar buildup that at-home dental care cannot effectively reach. They will also polish your teeth and remove stains from your smile. Additionally, professional cleaning by the Dentist in Louisville, KY, will freshen your breath and help you leave the dentist's office with a clean and fresh-smelling smile!

Cleaning Your Dentures or Dental Appliances

If you wear dentures or removable dental appliances, it is important to clean them regularly. Bacteria and food debris can get stuck between your appliance and the soft tissue of your mouth. This can lead to irritation of the gum tissues and inflammation of the tissue lining the oral cavity. This can also cause bad breath. 

Speak to your Dentist in Louisville, KY, about the best way to care for your appliances. Some types of appliances are removable and can be soaked daily in denture cleaner or water with a denture cleaning tablet. 

Avoiding Dry Mouth

Saliva is needed to wash away food and neutralize bacteria that cause odor. If you do not produce enough saliva in your mouth, food particles and bacteria are not washed away from your mouth. This can cause the buildup of bacteria and odors in the mouth. Medications such as antihistamines and decongestants are common causes of dry mouth. Also, some medical conditions can make a person produce less saliva in the mouth. If you are taking medications or have any medical condition that is causing dry mouth, consult with your doctor about ways to treat it. If your medication is the cause of your dry mouth, you may want to talk to  Dentist in Louisville, KY, and see if there are alternative medications you can take. Also, if a medical condition is the cause of dry mouth, you may want to consider talking to your general practitioner about your options for treatment.

To find out more about the dental services offered at our dental practice, call (502) 893-5454 or schedule an online consultation. You can also visit us at 4213 N Church Way, Louisville, KY, 40207, US.