Bad breath is characterized by an unpleasant odor of the mouth. Causes of bad breath include poor dental hygiene, dental problems, 
mouth infections, use of tobacco products, or other health problems. Family Dental Associates, which is located in Port Orchard, WA offers a full range of family dental services. Follow these steps to rid yourself of bad breath.
1. Floss and Brush Your Teeth
Bad breath is often caused by a buildup of bacteria in your mouth. Plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that forms on our teeth, collects bacteria that cause unpleasant breath odors. Floss your teeth at least once each day. Brush your teeth twice each day. Flossing and brushing removes plaque and debris that sticks to the teeth and gums.
2. Rinse With a Mouth Rinse
Rinse daily with a good mouth rinse and stop bad breath at its source. Besides freshening your breath, a mouth rinse adds extra protection by getting rid of bacteria. Be sure the mouth rinse you choose kills the germs that cause bad breath.
3. Brush Your Tongue Daily
The coating that forms on your tongue can be a host for bacteria. Be sure to brush your tongue with your toothbrush every day. Or, for a more effective scrubbing, use a tongue scraper. Tongue scrapers remove bacteria that brushing alone can't take care of.
4. Visit The Dentist Twice a Year
Maintaining good oral health is essential to reducing bad breath, so be sure you visit the dentist twice a year for checkups and dental cleanings. Talk to your Port Orchard dentist if you are concerned about bad breath. Your dentist can help identify the cause and, if it's due to an oral health problem, develop a treatment plan to help eliminate it.
If visits to the dentist haven't been one of your top priorities for the last few years, they should be. Going to the dentist is important at any age. Call Family Dental Associates in Port Orchard, WA at (360) 895-4321 today to schedule your dental appointment. Regular visits to the dentist will get you on the road to good oral health.