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Poor dental hygiene leads to bad breath. When a person does not brush twice a day or floss regularly, they are more prone to bad breath. The food particles that remain are broken down by bacteria that release a foul smell. 

It is vital to keep your teeth and gums clean to prevent bad breath. Here are some tips to help you get rid of bad breath: 

• Brush and Floss Regularly

The yellow-colored sticky buildup called plaque collects bacteria that causes a foul smell. Food particles trapped in between your teeth also add to the problem. 

Brush twice regularly and floss once a day. If you're still concerned, brush and floss more often. But overdoing it can wear down your teeth, making them vulnerable to tooth decay. 

• Rinse Your Mouth 

Using mouthwash to rinse your mouth freshens your breath and also helps to get rid of the harmful bacteria in your mouth. Make sure the mouthwash you chose kills the bacteria that cause bad breath. Rinse daily and feel fresh. 

• Scrape Your Tongue

Scrape your tongue regularly and get rid of the coating that can be a host for foul-smelling bacteria. Gently brush your tongue with your toothbrush to get rid of it. 

You can also try using a scraper if your brush is large to reach the back of your tongue. It is specifically made for cleaning the tongue by applying even pressure on the tongue’s surface. It helps remove the bacteria, debris, and dead cells that brushing can't remove.

• Hydrate Your Mouth

A dehydrated mouth can cause tooth decay and bad breath. Drink an abundance of water to keep your mouth moistened. You can also chew on sugar-free hard candy or sugarless gum to make enough saliva. 

• Keep Gums Healthy

Gum diseases can also be a cause for bad breath. The bacteria that gather in the gum pockets cause odor. 

• Kick Your Tobacco Habit

In addition to causing cancer, smoking damages your gums, stains your teeth, and gives you bad breath. Make an appointment with your doctor if you would like to quit smoking through quit-smoking programs or prescription medications to help you quit tobacco for good. 

• Avoid Foods That Cause Bad Breath

Some foods like onions and garlic cause bad breath. Even brushing doesn't help you to get rid of the smell. 

Contact Soos Creek at (253) 631-8241 for questions or concerns. You can also visit us at 17615 SE 272nd Street, Covington, WA 98042, or go to our website to schedule an appointment.