Bad Breath, also known as halitosis, is a problem in the oral cavity that causes embarrassment, lack of self-confidence, and even stress for many people. Picture someone you’ve visited who has bad breath. How did you feel when you were near them? Most people would not call it a pleasant experience. Do you want to be the person with a stinky smell coming out of your mouth? We know your immediate answer was a resounding No. The time it took you to come up with the answer No is the same amount of time for people to feel uneasy around someone with bad breath.
But do not worry!
You have come to the right place. There are many ways to get rid of bad breath. You can get chewing gums, mint, mouthwash, special toothpaste, and other mouth fresheners that will help you get rid of the odor for some time. However, none of these at-home remedies can address the underlying cause of this issue.
The primary reasons for Halitosis or Bad Breath include your health, specific foods, and lifestyle practices. According to the top dentists in Chandler, AZ, the majority of foul breath arises due to the following:
Food Items Cause Bad Breath
Spices, onion, and garlic consumption are among the top reasons for foul breath. Spicy meals rich in onion and garlic are digested and released into the circulatory system (blood). This blood reaches the lungs, mix in our breathing, and eventually stinks.
People who consume tobacco – through chewing or smoking, are more prone to developing gum and oral illnesses, as well as foul breath.
The Problem of Dry Mouth
Saliva acts as a cleansing agent, removing the particles that cause foul breath in our mouth. Xerostomia, often known as Dry Mouth, is a disorder during which saliva secretion gets reduced.
Intake of certain Medications
Some medications contribute to foul breath by releasing chemicals through their dissolution, which is transported by our breath. Also, there are several medications like antihistamines that induce dry mouth.
Poor Dental Hygiene
We saved the best for the last. You already know how important having a clean and hygienic mouth is. If we do not clean our teeth regularly, a sticky film of germs (plaque) builds over them. This plaque can contribute to a variety of additional gum and oral problems. Bacteria can also become lodged on our tongue, so it is essential to take care of oral hygiene and clean your mouth regularly.
How to Get Rid of Bad Breath?
1. Eat as little spicy and packaged food as possible to reduce the formation of foul smell. Try to include foods that produce little or no bad breath, like fresh fruits and vegetables, probiotics, berries, caffeine-free drinks, and so on.
2. Quit all tobacco products, especially smoking.
3. Keep your body and mouth hydrated by drinking plenty of water. It will aid in the removal of germs from within the mouth and throat. Gargling your mouth with water after each meal aids in the removal of food deposits from your teeth and tongue, therefore minimizing the development of foul breath.
4. Try to avoid unnecessary medications since they can harm your health in ways other than contributing to foul breath.
5. This classic tip about brushing your teeth twice a day is still as relevant. Brushing and flossing keep our mouth fresh and healthy. More than 80% of bad breath comes from the debris deposited over the tongue. Hence, cleaning it with a tongue cleaner is necessary.
As mentioned earlier, making positive lifestyle changes and maintaining utmost oral hygiene goes a long way in getting rid of bad breath. However, if you still cannot eliminate foul breath, visit your dentist in Chandler, AZ. Visiting the dentist every six months helps avoid tooth problems and bad breath.