An offensive mouth breath can cause great embarrassment and humiliation. The moment we notice that we have an unpleasant smell we know that something is out of balance. Sometimes it may be a sign of a serious health problem; it is thus wise to consult an expert to identify the cause. There are various causes of bad breath and not just the assumed reason of poor oral hygiene. These include;
- Lack of regular habit of brushing teeth causing accumulation of bacteria.
- Dry mouth
- Certain medications
- Mouth infections
Since it is difficult to assess if you have a bad breath, ask a close friend or relative to confirm if there is need for concern. Your dentist is also a good person to consult when facing bad breath issues. The main reason for bad breath, also known as halitosis, is poor dental hygiene. When food particles clog up in between the teeth, it causes building up of bacteria resulting in a foul smell.
Bad breath is a great cause of concern as it can greatly debilitate a person’s social life. Since it is a sensitive matter, even your close friends may feel embarrassed to tell you and may just end up avoiding you. Sometimes you may even brush regularly but feel that the problem is still persistent. However, there are certain habits that could be contributing to your bad breath problem.
Avoid These Habits and Eliminate bad breath
You need to remember that just brushing your teeth daily is not enough. Flossing regularly can also remove hidden food particles that cannot be removed by a toothbrush. The tongue can also be a hiding place for bacteria. Always clean your tongue along with brushing. Strong smelling foods like garlic and alcohol can also contribute to having a bad breath. Extreme dieting and fasting can stimulate the production of ketones which result in bad breath.
Eliminating bad breath is all about identifying what is the underlying cause. As discussed above, if you know the cause of your bad breath then it will be easier to find ways to eliminate this problem. Consider for example these simple home remedies;
- Use gentle toothbrushes which to avoid risk or bruising and damaging gums. Use toothpaste containing fluoride. Make god use of recommended mouthwashes.
- Prevent the dry mouth condition by chewing sugar-free gum. This will stimulate saliva flow.
- Eat fibrous food and vegetables. Also make it a habit to drink green and black teas.
- Supplements like vitamin C, B, D and E are a good source of antioxidants which remove bad bacteria.
- Occasionally use baking soda when brushing your teeth. Apart from its’ whitening abilities, baking soda is good in neutralizing an acidic environment.
- Drink plenty of water.
Eliminating bad breath may be a gradual process but it is something that can be achieved. The good news is that it is not always a permanent problem and with much effort it can be eliminated.