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Three Methods:Cleaning Your MouthMaking Lifestyle ChangesSeeking Medical CareCommunity Q&A

Halitosis, or bad breath, is a common ailment for many. It is rarely a sign of a serious dental problem and usually the result of inadequate brushing or flossing. Making small changes to your routine can help combat bad breath. If your bad breath does not respond to home treatment, you should make an appointment with your dentist.


Method 1
Cleaning Your Mouth

  1. 1
    Clean your teeth twice a day. As bad breath is typically caused by the buildup of bacteria in your mouth, brushing your teeth twice daily can help. Brush your teeth when you get up in the morning and before you go to sleep at night. Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride.[1]
    • Brush both the inside and outside surfaces of your teeth. Spend at least two minutes brushing. You can use either an electronic or regular toothbrush. Both are equally effective at combating bad breath and bacteria in the mouth.[2]
    • Spit out any excess toothpaste when you finish brushing. Do not rinse your mouth out before spitting extra toothpaste. Rinsing your mouth with water too soon can dilute the fluoride in your toothpaste.[3]
  2. 2
    Floss. You should floss at least once a day. Flossing helps remove food particles that may be caught in your teeth. This can help reduce bad breath.[4]
    • Take 12 to 18 inches of floss. Grasp it, using your fingers, so you have a couple of inches of floss between your hands. Slip the floss between each tooth. Use 8 to 10 strokes to guide the floss down to the gums.[5]
    • As you go, periodically adjust your fingers to use a fresher portion of the floss you're holding.
  3. 3
    Use mouthwash. Mouthwash can help combat bad breath. Use an over-the-counter brand of mouthwash after brushing and flossing. Keep in mind that if your bad breath is caused by a dental problem, mouthwash will not cure it. It will merely cover up the odor. If bad breath persists, you should see a dentist to evaluate the potential cause.[6]
  4. 4
    Brush your tongue. Many people neglect to brush their tongue when brushing their teeth. Your tongue can easily become coated with bacteria. Giving it a gentle brushing each time you brush your teeth may remove some of this bacteria, lessening bad breath.[7]
  5. 5
    Clean dentures or other dental appliances. If you use dentures or something like a retainer, these supplies must be cleaned daily. If they're left unclean, bacteria can build up. This can cause bad breath and other dental problems.
    • When you got your dentures or retainer, your dentist should have provided you with information on cleaning. Follow these guidelines when cleaning dental appliances. If you do not remember the guidelines, call your dentist for clarification.[8]
  6. 6
    Replace your toothbrush regularly. Your toothbrush should be replaced every three to four months. Brushing your teeth with an old toothbrush will not adequately remove bacteria from your mouth. This can lead to bad breath and other dental health problems. If your toothbrush begins to look frayed and show signs of age, replace it with a new one.[9]

Method 2
Making Lifestyle Changes

  1. 1
    Quit smoking. The biggest lifestyle change you can make to combat bad breath is to quit smoking. Tobacco, in addition to causing many other health problems, can seriously affect your breath. If you smoke, take steps to quit.
    • Both chewing and smoking tobacco products can leave an unpleasant smell in your mouth. You can mask these smells with mouthwashes and mints, but these only cover up the problem. Gum disease can result from smoking, which can worsen bad breath.[10]
    • Quitting smoking can be an incredibly difficult process. Talk to your doctor about taking steps to quit. He or she can recommend the proper course of action for you.
    • Seek support if you're quitting smoking. Let your friends and family members know you've made the decision to quit. Ask them to help distract you when you have cravings. If you have friends or family members that smoke, request that they not do so in front of you. There are many support groups, both online and in person, where former smokers go to talk about quitting, addiction, and recovery. Consider finding a support group online or in your area.
  2. 2
    Avoid foods and beverages that cause bad breath. Strong smelling or spicy foods, especially foods containing products like onions or garlic, can easily cause bad breath. If you have a diet high in these types of foods, consider cutting back. You may notice your breath improving if you cut out more pungent foods. Sticky or sugary foods can also cause bad breath.[11]
  3. 3
    Combat dry mouth. Dry mouth can cause bad breath. If your mouth feels dry, drink more water throughout the day. You should avoid coffee, soda, and alcohol as these things can increase dry mouth.
    • Chew gum or suck on candy during the day. This can stimulate saliva, lessening dry mouth.[12]
    • If your dry mouth does not improve with lifestyle changes, talk to your dentist. He or she may be able to recommend medication that stimulates the flow of saliva.[13]
  4. 4
    Try increasing your dairy intake. While further research is needed, some studies suggest dairy products can neutralize odors in the mouth. Try adding unsweetened yogurt and low-fat cheese to your diet and see if you notice a difference.[14]

Method 3
Seeking Medical Care

  1. 1
    Make an appointment with your dentist. If your bad breath persists after you've made lifestyle changes, make an appointment with your dentist. Bad breath is rarely a medical concern, but chronic bad breath may be a sign of disease or infection.
    • Avoid eating, chewing gum, smoking, or drinking strong scented beverages within 3 hours of your appointment. Avoid perfumes, scented lotions, or strong smelling lipsticks as well.[15]
    • Your dentist will do a basic exam and teeth cleaning. He or she will also ask you questions about your lifestyle and symptoms. Your dentist will want to know when your bad breath started, whether it's occasional or continuous, what kinds of foods you eat, what health conditions you have, and how often you brush and floss your teeth.[16]
    • You may want to make an appointment with your doctor if your dentist can't pinpoint the problem. Bad breath can also be caused by underlying medical conditions.
  2. 2
    Try a mouth rinse and toothpaste recommended by your dentist. Your bad breath may be the result of a buildup of bacteria on your teeth. In this case, your dentist will likely recommend a particular mouth rinse or toothpaste.
    • Your mouth rinse will probably contain cetylpyridinium chloride, which combats the buildup of odors. If you need a prescription, you can get the mouthwash at your dentist's office or at a local pharmacy. However, your dentist may simply recommend an over-the-counter brand.[17]
    • The recommended toothpaste will probably contain an antibacterial agent. This can also help get rid of unwanted odors.[18]
    • Follow all your dentist's instructions exactly. If you have any questions about their products and their potential side effects, ask.
  3. 3
    Treat gum disease as your dentist advises. Gum disease is often the cause of bad breath. If your dentist suspects gum disease, he will refer you to a gum specialist who can better address the issue. However, he may also just advise better cleaning to combat the disease.[19]
    • If you're diagnosed with gum disease or another infection, ask your dentist any questions you have. Treatments vary greatly based on personal medical history and the progression of the disease.

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    Categories: Bad Breath Treatments

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    Español: combatir el mal aliento, Português: Combater o Mau Hálito

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