One of the most embarrassing things in life is to have bad breath. Many people try to cover it with mints but there are many more things you can do to prevent bad breath as well as address it when it’s a problem.
Mouth Washes and Rinses
People depend on mouthwashes and rinses to control bad breath. That is a good place to start for the occasional buffalo breath but shouldn’t be the only solution you have.
When selecting a mouthwash or rinse, pick one that kills bacteria. This would be an antiseptic mouthwash or rinse. Bacteria is one of the primary causes of bad breath so you should do all you can to fight it.
People today sometimes don’t want an alcohol-based antiseptic mouthwash. Plenty of choices exist on the market and that includes alcohol-free products. There are also natural mouthwashes and rinses that contain no artificial dyes or flavors. They are usually more expensive but can bring those concerned about unwanted chemicals peace of mind.
Brushing and Flossing
One of the best things you can do to prevent bad breath is also one of the simplest. Brushing and flossing your teeth as dentists recommend can work wonders for bad breath. You should brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day.
A factor that contributes to bad breath is food debris stuck in your teeth. Brushing and flossing removes debris, preventing it from decaying in your mouth. It also prevents cavities by removing plaque and tartar. Keeping your mouth healthy and free of these things will help you improve your breath.
Be sure to brush your tongue! People don’t realize it but your tongue has a ton of bacteria. Taking a moment to brush it with your toothbrush will help prevent bad breath because it removes the bacteria and freshens your tongue just like brushing your teeth does.
Diet
Our diet has a huge impact on bad breath. Food is swallowed where it’s hit by acids that break it down in the stomach. Sometimes, as we all know, some of the stomach gas creeps back up to cause acid reflux, heartburn, and even bad breath.
It’s important to understand what foods cause this reaction in you. Avoiding certain foods that your body finds hard to tolerate will help prevent bad breath. Taking a probiotic would also help relieve these symptoms and, ultimately, prevent stomach gas from causing bad breath.
However, this won’t always help. There is only so much you can do for those who love things like garlic and onions!
Checking Medical Health
Sometimes, bad breath is caused by another disease somewhere else in the body like diabetes. Bad breath, also called halitosis, is primarily caused by tongue and throat bacteria. Bacteria break down proteins and sometimes the rate they do so causes smelly compounds to be released from the back of the throat and tongue.
While this normal process can be controlled with gargling and a good brushing of teeth and tongue, some halitosis cases result from other diseases.
Other diseases that can cause bad breath include tonsillitis, sinusitis, and bronchitis. The nose, ears, mouth, and throat are connected with canals and channels so infections or other issues in those areas can cause back breath.
Gastrointestinal diseases, like acid reflux, can also cause bad breath. Many people don’t realize that bad breath can also be a sign of more serious illnesses like diabetes and advanced liver or kidney disease.
Those with chronic bad breath that they can’t seem to remedy should discuss it with their medical doctor and be tested for another possible issue.
Go to Your Dentist
Getting routine cleanings and exams is not only good for your teeth but is also good for your breath. Cleanings reduce bacteria because they remove plaque and tartar. Dentists also check for cavities or other problems that could contribute to bad breath.
Those who suffer from bad breath should make an appointment to discuss it with one of our dentists. We can offer an exam and cleaning where the dentist will check to see what some of the possible causes are. We can also offer recommendations for keeping your breath fresh and enjoyable! Make an appointment today.