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Tips for fresh breath
Brush your teeth twice a day.
Use a fluoride toothpaste. Correct and regular brushing is very important to keep your breath smelling fresh.
Brush or scrape your tongue.
A soft rubber wiper called a tongue scraper can remove bacteria at the back of the tongue, which brushing can miss.
Floss your teeth.
Brushing alone only cleans up to about 60% of the surface of your teeth. Flossing removes food trapped between teeth, which would otherwise turn stale and smelly. Another product you can buy to clean between your teeth is an interdental brush.
Use an antibacterial mouthwash.
The best time to use mouthwash is just before bedtime. There are many different types of mouthwash. Most are alcohol-based. Alcohol can dry out or irritate your mouth, so if you have problems, switch to an alcohol-free brand that contains chlorhexidine or hydrogen peroxide.
Use sugar-free gum.
The chewing stimulates saliva and stops your mouth drying out. A dry mouth can lead to bad breath. But gum is not a substitute for proper oral hygiene. Always clean your teeth thoroughly, even if you've chewed gum.
Have a check-up with your dentist at least once a year.
It’s a chance to have a deep clean of your teeth and review your oral hygiene practices. You’ll also get a definitive answer on whether you’ve got bad breath.
Quit smoking.
If you smoke, your breath is likely to smell of stale smoke. Smoking cigarettes also increases your risk of getting gum disease, which is another cause of bad breath.
If you have persistent bad breath, try keeping a diary of all the foods you eat, and list any medicines you're taking. Take this diary to your dentist – they may be able to suggest ways to solve the problem.
Brush your teeth twice a day.
Use a fluoride toothpaste. Correct and regular brushing is very important to keep your breath smelling fresh.
Brush or scrape your tongue.
A soft rubber wiper called a tongue scraper can remove bacteria at the back of the tongue, which brushing can miss.
Floss your teeth.
Brushing alone only cleans up to about 60% of the surface of your teeth. Flossing removes food trapped between teeth, which would otherwise turn stale and smelly. Another product you can buy to clean between your teeth is an interdental brush.
Use an antibacterial mouthwash.
The best time to use mouthwash is just before bedtime. There are many different types of mouthwash. Most are alcohol-based. Alcohol can dry out or irritate your mouth, so if you have problems, switch to an alcohol-free brand that contains chlorhexidine or hydrogen peroxide.
Use sugar-free gum.
The chewing stimulates saliva and stops your mouth drying out. A dry mouth can lead to bad breath. But gum is not a substitute for proper oral hygiene. Always clean your teeth thoroughly, even if you've chewed gum.
Have a check-up with your dentist at least once a year.
It’s a chance to have a deep clean of your teeth and review your oral hygiene practices. You’ll also get a definitive answer on whether you’ve got bad breath.
Quit smoking.
If you smoke, your breath is likely to smell of stale smoke. Smoking cigarettes also increases your risk of getting gum disease, which is another cause of bad breath.
If you have persistent bad breath, try keeping a diary of all the foods you eat, and list any medicines you're taking. Take this diary to your dentist – they may be able to suggest ways to solve the problem.