Brushing Properly to Prevent Bad Breath

It’s easy to fall into the trap of brushing your teeth twice a day and assuming your oral hygiene is taken care of. However, the truth is that thorough oral care extends far beyond this simple habit. Failing to clean certain areas of the mouth can lead to bad breath as well as other potential oral health problems down the line. Continue reading to learn more with this blog post from East Bentleigh Dental Group.

Brushing the Tongue

One area that often gets overlooked when brushing is the tongue. Bacteria, dead cells and food particles can accumulate on the surface of the tongue, creating a breeding ground for odour-causing microbes. This build-up not only contributes to bad breath, but also increases the risk of plaque formation and other oral issues.

So, what’s the solution? Regularly brushing or scraping the tongue should be an integral part of your oral hygiene routine. By gently removing the layer of debris that coats the tongue’s surface, you can eliminate the bacteria responsible for unpleasant odours. Tongue scrapers are readily available and easy to use, making this extra step simple for anyone looking to maintain fresh breath and a healthy mouth.

Cleaning the Inner Cheeks

The inner cheeks are another area often neglected during oral care. Similar to the tongue, bacteria and food particles can accumulate along the cheeks’ inner surfaces, contributing to bad breath and potential oral health issues. Including the inner cheeks when brushing is important for maintaining long-term oral health.

Use a Soft Bristle Toothbrush

Using a toothbrush with soft bristles is key when brushing your teeth, tongue and cheeks. Harsh or abrasive bristles can cause irritation and damage to the delicate tissues of the mouth, leading to discomfort and even injury. By choosing a soft-bristled toothbrush and using gentle strokes, you can effectively clean your mouth without causing harm.

Learn More Today

Thorough oral care goes beyond simply brushing your teeth twice a day. It involves paying attention to all parts of the mouth, including the tongue and inner cheeks. For further tips on how to brush your teeth to prevent bad breath and other oral health problems, make an appointment at East Bentleigh Dental Group today.