Brushing Your Tongue Can Reduce Bad Breath by 70% Advantage Dental
go to original July 1, 2022

What Is Halitosis? (Checkdent)

No one likes bad breath. So, when you’re brushing today, don’t forget your tongue! It’s the part of your mouth that is most responsible for causing unpleasent breath.

What Is Halitosis?

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, has quite a few causes and it's not the extra garlic you’re adding to your meals. Eating pungent food, chronic dry mouth, gum disease and tobacco use are common contributors to less than ideal breath. Halitosis can also show up from underlying medical conditions or as a side effect of medication.

How to Get Rid of Bad Breath

There are many things you can do to help keep your breath fresh, including:

  • Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes
  • Brush your tongue!
  • Never share toothbrushes, even with your children or significant other
  • Floss daily
  • If you have dental appliances, clean them daily
  • After eating, rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash to kill bad bacteria
  • Limit your intake of sweetened drinks like soda, sweet tea, and alcohol
  • Prevent dry mouth by drinking plenty of water throughout the day
  • Snack on healthy, fresh and crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples and celery
  • Quit smoking and/or using smokeless tobacco products (including vaping)
  • Have routine dental cleanings and check-ups with the dentist to remove bacteria buildup under the gum line and tartar that can't be removed with a toothbrush and dental floss alone

When wearing dental appliances it is especially important to keep your mouth clean because they can harbor food particles and residue. If you're out and about and can't clean your mouth after eating, you can rinse with water, or chew sugarless gum or sugar-free mints. These boost saliva production, your mouth's natural bacteria-fighting resource, which helps rinse away bacteria and bits of food.

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