Bad breath (also known as halitosis) can be frustrating and embarrassing, but the good news is that it’s almost always preventable. In most cases, bad breath comes from bacteria buildup in the mouth, food particles left behind, or poor oral hygiene habits.
If you’re struggling with persistent bad breath, it’s time to refine your oral care routine. Here’s a step-by-step guide to keep your mouth fresh and free of unwanted odors.
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1. Brush Your Teeth the Right Way—Twice a Day
We hope you’re already dedicated to brushing your teeth morning and night, but just in case you’re not, here’s your much-needed reminder. Brushing your teeth is your first line of defense against bad breath. Food particles and bacteria cling to your teeth, and if you don’t remove them regularly, they start creating unpleasant odors. So, here’s the three-point system for top-tier tooth brushing.
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Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush twice a day for two minutes.
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Pay special attention to the back of your tongue and the gumline, where bacteria tend to build up.
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Replace your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head every 3 to 4 months for the best results. (Electric toothbrushes do a better job at removing plaque so if you haven’t made the switch yet, give it some thought!)
2. Floss Daily to Remove Trapped Food and Bacteria
You might be wondering what flossing has to do with stinky breath. Well, here’s the secret: even the best toothbrush can’t reach between your teeth, which is where bacteria thrive. If you skip flossing, those tiny bits of food break down and release odors over time. Meaning, if you’re not flossing, your breath is guaranteed to smell worse than if you were flossing.
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Floss at least once a day to remove plaque and food debris.
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Use gentle, up-and-down motions rather than snapping the floss, which can damage gums.
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If flossing is difficult, an electric flosser like the Slate Flosser can make it easier and more effective (more on that below).
3. Clean Your Tongue Every Time You Brush
No, we don’t just mean a quick scrub with your toothbrush. Your tongue holds more bacteria than any other part of your mouth, making it a major source of bad breath. The longer bacteria sits on your tongue, the worse it smells. Yet many people completely forget to clean it. That 5-second passover with your toothbrush and leftover toothpaste isn’t going to cut it either. If you want to get rid of your bad breath you need to pay more attention to your tongue!
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Use a tongue scraper or the back of your toothbrush (if you have no other option) to remove bacteria from your tongue.
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Scrape gently from back to front a few times after brushing.
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Cleaning your tongue daily significantly reduces odor-causing bacteria.
Pro Tip: The Slate Flosser includes a built-in triple-row tongue scraper, making it easier to keep your tongue clean and your breath fresh.
4. Drink Plenty of Water to Keep Your Mouth Hydrated
Believe it or not, a dry mouth is one of the biggest causes of bad breath. Saliva naturally washes away bacteria and food particles, but when your mouth is dry, odor-causing bacteria multiply faster. Drinking more water improves your saliva production while keeping your mouth moist. So go fill up that tumbler!
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Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your mouth hydrated.
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If you wake up with bad breath, try drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning to help stimulate saliva and reduce odor.
5. Eat Breath-Boosting Foods (And Avoid Odor-Causing Ones)
We all know that what you eat can directly affect your breath. Some foods help fight bad breath, while others make it worse. You might be surprised by which foods can have a positive impact!
Foods That Help Freshen Breath
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Crunchy fruits and vegetables (apples, celery, carrots) help remove plaque naturally.
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Leafy greens (spinach, kale, lettuce) neutralize acids that cause bad breath.
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Dairy products (cheese, yogurt, milk) help maintain healthy saliva levels.
Foods That Can Cause Bad Breath
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Garlic and onions contain sulfur compounds that linger in the mouth.
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Sugary foods and drinks feed bacteria, leading to unpleasant odors.
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Coffee and alcohol can dry out the mouth, making bad breath worse.
6. Rinse Your Mouth with Water After Meals
Any kind of food or drink will change the pH balance in your mouth. Why does that matter? Well if the pH balance in your mouth is acidic, it means that bacteria can thrive which will make your breath smell. Brushing your teeth after eating is ideal but if you can’t brush after eating, rinsing with water is the next best thing. This helps remove leftover food particles and neutralize acids that contribute to bad breath.
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Swish plain water in your mouth for 30 seconds after meals.
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If you need extra freshness, choose an alcohol-free mouthwash to avoid drying out your mouth.
7. Keep Up with Regular Dental Checkups
Bad breath can sometimes be a sign of gum disease, cavities, or other dental issues. If you’ve tried everything above but your bad breath still persists, then it’s probably a sign to call your dentist. Visiting your dentist regularly ensures that hidden problems don’t contribute to persistent bad breath.
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Schedule a dental cleaning and checkup every six months.
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If your bad breath persists despite good hygiene, ask your dentist to check for tartar buildup or early signs of gum disease.
Why the Slate Flosser is a Must-Have for Fresh Breath
Flossing is one of the most important steps in preventing bad breath, but many people struggle to do it consistently or correctly. That’s where the Slate Flosser makes all the difference.
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Designed for Easy, Effective Flossing – Whether you have braces, tight teeth, or just struggle with traditional floss, Slate makes flossing effortless.
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Patent-Pending Gum Sweeps – As you floss, gum sweeps gently massage your gums, improving circulation and helping prevent gum disease (a major cause of bad breath).
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Chemical-Free Woven Floss – Unlike many floss options that contain PTFE (a chemical found in nonstick coatings), Slate’s floss is completely chemical-free and safe for daily use.
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Built-In Triple-Row Tongue Scraper – Keeping your tongue clean is one of the best ways to fight bad breath, and Slate makes it convenient and effective.
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14,000 Sonic Vibrations Per Minute – The gentle vibrations break up plaque and bacteria in hard-to-reach areas, ensuring a deeper clean.
If you’re serious about keeping your breath fresh and your mouth healthy, upgrading to the Slate Flosser is one of the best changes you can make.
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