The problem is more common than you might think, and it's not always your fault. Many things can cause bad breath, including certain foods or drinks, medications, or underlying health conditions.
Bad breath, or halitosis, is a common problem. It can be embarrassing and difficult to fix, but here are some simple methods you can use to get keep your breath from catching the attention of those around you.
Brush, floss, and use a tongue scraper.
Bad breath is often caused by poor dental hygiene. Not cleaning you mouth properly allows bacteria to build up in the mouth, which creates an unappealing aroma.
If you're having bad breath issues, you should brush your teeth, floss to remove all debris and plaque between your teeth, and use a tongue scraper to clean bacterial buildup twice a day. This should improve any bad breath caused by poor dental hygiene.
If you have difficulty flossing thoroughly because of crooked teeth, consider orthodontic treatment that will help you clean more effectively. And ensure you purchase a good orthodontic retainer
to maintain your alignment.
If you are already taking these steps and have found the improvement in your breath only lasts for a brief period after cleaning, then you should look into whether you have an underlying health condition.
See a dentist to check for gum disease.
The first step is to see your dentist for a thorough cleaning and exam. Your dentist can check for gum disease, which is a common cause of bad breath. If you have gum disease, it means that you have bacterial building up infecting and inflaming your gums that you cannot clean away with just a toothbrush and floss.
Your dentist can treat gum disease with antibiotics or surgery, but you will have to take steps to ensure the disease does not easily return. Brush your teeth several times a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss twice a day if you don’t already do so. You should also visit your dentist at least twice a year for regular cleanings and exams.
If you have gum disease, it can be a sign that you grind your teeth at night. The pressure from grinding can inflame your gums and make them more susceptible to infection. If this is the case, you should also look into getting a night guard to protect your teeth and gums from wear and tear.
See a medical doctor for other related conditions.
If gum disease is not the underlying issue, you should talk to your doctor. Sinus issues, tonsil infections, liver and kidney issues, diabetes, and even certain medications can create bad breath. Your doctor will have suggestions about what to look for and how you might address the issues.
Drink water and stay hydrated.
Getting dehydrated causes a lack of saliva in your mouth. Saliva is your body’s natural way of inhibiting bacterial growth in the mouth. So, you will want to make sure you drink at least eight glasses of water per day. You can also choose to avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages that dry out your mouth and contribute to poor hydration.
Try an oral rinse after certain foods or beverages.
Foods like onion and garlic and drinks like coffee and alcohol can affect your breath badly. You might think it best to brush your teeth immediately after consuming these. However, acidic compounds, like coffee, can damage your teeth more if you brush immediately afterward as the acid is pressed into the enamel. So, it is better to use rinses right after eating and drinking.
To get rid of bad breath try an oral rinse like Listerine. You can also carry chewing gum with xylitol to prevent bad breath after meals or snacks.
Quit smoking.
Smoking can lead to a number of health problems, including bad breath. If you have noticed that you have bad breath, quitting smoking will help with oral hygiene but also it will increase your chances of effectively addressing any possible underlying conditions.
Of course, quitting smoking is incredibly hard. Doing so often requires support. You can look for quitting smoking programs, quitting support groups, and even medications that can help reduce cravings. It is also helpful to change routines that encourage smoking and make you think of reaching for a cigarette. Many people have succeeded in quitting smoking. You can be one of them.
If you are unable to quit smoking or are uninterested in doing so, try using a mouthwash or xylitol gum frequently throughout the day. The crew at TeethNightGuard encourages you to look out for your oral health because not only does it affect your teeth and breath but also your overall health. A healthy mouth will support a healthier immune system and a healthier cardiovascular system by keeping the infection from entering your bloodstream through your gums.
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