Bad Breath Be Gone!

Dr. Katie Lee
 •
Lead Dentist and Founder
Blog

Let’s Fix Bad Breath

Now that you know what causes bad breath, let’s talk about how to treat it at the root—safely and effectively. Most bad breath is caused by specific types of bacteria in the mouth, especially under the gums or on the tongue. Treating it means going beyond mints and mouthwash, and focusing on prevention, consistency, and oral microbiome support.

Whether it’s getting regular dental cleanings or taking daily lifestyle steps to reduce bacteria, it’s time to start building habits that will help you maintain fresh breath and a healthier mouth overall. Ditch the cover-ups and commit to long-term solutions! 

Action Steps to Treat Bad Breath Naturally & Effectively:

The same bacteria that causes gum disease can release a sulfur gas which causes bad breath. The solution? Get a saliva test today! 

Bacteria that live along the gumline are definite contributors to your bad breath. That means brushing and flossing more frequently to combat the stink. 

And lastly, bacteria living inside the crevices of your tongue can be a major cause of bad breath. That’s where your trusted tongue scraper comes in handy. 

  • Get a saliva test

 Ask your dentist if they offer oral microbiome testing to get an inside look at what’s really going in your mouth.

  • Stay on top of cleanings

If your gums bleed when you brush (“pink in the sink”), it’s time to see your dentist. Schedule cleanings every 3 months to remove harmful bacteria beneath the gumline.‍

  • Scrape your tongue daily

Use a stainless steel tongue scraper (not a toothbrush) twice a day to remove bacteria and fungi from the tongue’s surface. Bonus: it boosts your sense of taste!

  • Hydrate consistently

Water helps flush bacteria and keeps your mouth’s environment less hospitable to odor-causing microbes. Avoid alcohol-based mouthwash and limit alcohol and caffeine, which dry the mouth and make it more prone to bacterial accumulation.

  • Feed your mouth good bacteria

Eat plenty of fiber to nourish beneficial bacteria. Take oral probiotics (not just gut ones) to put good bacteria back into your mouth and consider products like Protektin™ to help eliminate odor causing bacteria. 

  • Try oil swishing

Coconut or olive oil helps lubricate the mouth and maintain balance in the oral microbiome.

  • Use hydrogen peroxide occasionally

A gentle swish with diluted H₂O₂ can help knock down bad bacteria—but don’t overuse, as it also kills healthy bacteria and can worsen breath if used too frequently.

Questions comments or need an appointment with Dr. Lee?

Schedule an appointment or call 303-223-2343 today!

Dr. Katie Lee
Lead Dentist and Founder