Few things are more humiliating than realizing that you have bad breath, and while it may not be a dental emergency – it is certainly something you’ll want to deal with quickly. Unfortunately that can sometimes be easier said than done.

Bad breath is essentially caused by a buildup of bacteria in your oral cavity. As such if you want to deal with it you need to find ways to remove that bacteria for good:

• Rinse your mouth

Simply rinsing out your mouth can get rid of quite a lot of bacteria that may have built up – especially when you first wake up or after meals. If you want you can use an antibacterial mouthwash for better results, but try to avoid mouthwash that contains alcohol as it could make things worse.

• Brush and floss your teeth regularly

Needless to say good oral hygiene is key if you want to get rid of bad breath. By brushing your teeth at least twice a day, and flossing at least once you will be able to remove plaque and trapped food – both of which are often the source of the problem.

It should be noted that it is important that you brush and floss thoroughly or you may not remove all the plaque and food debris.

• Make sure your mouth isn’t dry

If you feel your mouth is dry that may be part of the reason that you have bad breath. Try drinking more water, chewing (sugarless) gum, or maybe using a humidifier if the air is too dry.

• Brush or scrape your tongue

Bacteria can very easily accumulate on your tongue and form a slick and smelly coating. To get rid of it you should gently brush your tongue or use a scraper to thoroughly clean it and make reaching the back of your tongue easier.

• Avoid foods that cause bad breath

Some foods can cause a smell that lingers long after you’ve finished eating them – such as garlic, onions, horseradish, and canned tuna. It is best to avoid these foods, as well as other foods such as dairy products that can contribute to the buildup of bacteria.

• Cut down on the sugar

When you have a lot of bacteria in your mouth that is causing bad breath, eating sugar is not a good idea. The bacteria will use sugar to make acid, which can damage your teeth and cause cavities to form which will only worsen your bad breath.

• Visit your dentist every six months

It is recommended that you visit a St Albans dentist or one near your location at least once every six months. During your regular checkup your dentist will be able to examine your teeth, check how much plaque has built up, and spot signs of other issues that may be causing your bad breath.

On top of that they’ll be able to clean your teeth thoroughly – which may help eliminate the problem.

As you can see, getting rid of bad breath isn’t too complicated – nor does it require expensive medication. Instead all you need is to methodically deal with the things that may be causing bacteria to build up in your mouth in the first place.

In some cases you may find that your bad breath persists even after you’ve done all that. If so it is likely to be linked to a medical condition – and you should consult a dentist immediately.