More than 80 million people suffer from chronic halitosis or bad breath. Most of the time, it begins from the gums and tongue. Moreover, it is socially unacceptable and embarrassing than the remains of a spinach salad speckled across a toothy grin.
Some people may not be aware of their condition and learn about it from a relative, friend, or colleague, causing some degree of discomfort and embarrassment. In severe cases, bad breath may negatively impact personal relationships and a person’s quality of life.
Some of the causes of bad breath are:
Inadequate Oral Hygiene: This is the most common cause of bad oral breath if you’re not following a regular oral care routine. Not brushing with the right technique causing the food to be stuck in teeth, or skipping flossing, not rinsing regularly. For that matter, not scraping the tongue can also cause bad odor.
Oral Infections and Gum Diseases: Some might experience bad breath due to symptoms of oral infections and gum diseases, which might not be noticeable. If you have a cavity or decayed tooth and have not got it treated, the bacteria present in the tooth cavity emits a foul smell. Similarly, an infection in your mouth from tooth decay or dental treatment that hasn’t healed properly causes terrible breath.
Consumption of Caffeinated Drinks: Coffee, Tea, and Cold Drinks are diuretic in nature, causing dehydration and dryness of the mouth. When your mouth becomes extremely dry, the oral odor is caused.
Low-carb Diets: For those on Keto diets, when you drastically reduce carbohydrate intake, your body obtains its energy by breaking down fats instead of carbs. When the body breaks down fat, these fatty acids turn into acetone and cause bad breath, usually fruity or sweet-smelling.
Smoking and Tobacco Consumption: It is damaging for your health, as well the breath you get after smoking or tobacco consumption can harm your social interactions. It may even negatively affect how others notice you at work. It also puts you at higher risk for oral health problems, such as gum disease, which can also cause bad breath.
Alcohol Consumption: We all know the dangers of too much alcohol consumption on the body, and this is a no good for fresh breath. Consuming alcohol can lead to too much sugar being broken down by the body, as well as the breakdown and conversion into acetic acid.
Foods & Liquids in General: Some foods such as garlic, onions, and spices can give you bad breath. The intestine or liver does not metabolize garlic, and the gases can work their way back up to the mouth. Bad breath originating in the gut can be prevented by avoiding such foods early in the day or late at night.
Some helpful tips to improve bad breath:
Brush your teeth twice a day, after meals, with a fluoridated toothpaste.
Rinse and gargle with an alcohol-free mouthwash (which contains chlorhexidine) before bed.
Always scrape your tongue to prevent a coating of debris being formed on the tongue.
Do not forget to floss your teeth to remove the food particles stuck in between the teeth. Floss your teeth daily, brushing alone only cleans up to about 60% of the surface of your teeth.
Chew sugar-free gum, it stimulates saliva and prevents your mouth from drying out.
Eating yogurt will help to promote healthy bacteria in the gut. If your bad breath is arising from dietary intake, having a proper level of healthy bacteria in the stomach is great for battling bad breath internally.
Sip green tea because it is said to have antibacterial compounds which should help both the mouth and gut fight unhealthy bacteria.
Chewing of Mint, Parsley, Basil or Cilantro will immediately mask the bad breath, and freshen the breath.
Avoid tobacco smoking and chewing tobacco-based products.
Remove dentures and dental devices and clean them regularly.
If you have dry mouth, make sure to drink enough fluids throughout the day.
Visit your dentist regularly.
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