How to Get Rid of Bad breath (Halitosis) | 5 causes and 10 tips to avoid it

Bad breath or halitosis is one of the most annoying things you may face at least once in a day.

Most of the people do not know about their bad breath till they meet a good friend. Of cause halitosis is not a medical emergency, but it can cause some emergency situations in your relationships. I know people broke up their relationships due to bad breath! I would like to say it is just due to negligence. So let’s learn more about it now.

What Causes Bad Breath?

Tobacco products: Smoking and using tobacco products can damage your oral tissues which can cause infections.

Smocking itself makes your breath smell bad. Learn how to quit smoking.

Food: Food is the one of the most common cause for your halitosis. Food particles that stuck in the teeth help the bacteria to grow. Bacterias smells really bad.

Some kind of foods like garlic, onions, fish, cheese and some acidic liquors leaves a lingering smell.

Poor dental hygiene: When we eat, the food is broken down by bacteria that live in our mouths naturally. As the food and proteins are broken down gas is released - this gas (e.g. hydrogen sulfide vapors) is smelly.

If you don’t brush your teeth regularly  a colorless, sticky film of bacteria (plaque) forms on your teeth. The plaque can irritate your gums (gingivitis) and eventually form plaque-filled pockets between your teeth and gums (periodontitis).

Dry mouth ( Xerostomia) : Saliva has a function of cleaning your mouth regularly. When there is decreased production of saliva in mouth can cause bad odor. Dry mouth can be due to some diseases like  Sjögren's syndrome or by some drugs.

Medical conditions: there are many diseases of mouth, throat and stomach that can cause bad breath. Tonsillitis, gingivitis, bronchitis and sinusitis are some of them.

Tips to avoid bad breath

·         Brush your teeth after eating: Brush using a fluoride-containing toothpaste at least twice a day, especially after meals.

·         If you smoke, quit it. [Learn how to quit smoking]

·         Brush your tongue :  Bacteria can grow on your tongue so easily. People who have a coated tongue from a significant overgrowth of bacteria (from smoking or dry mouth, for example) may benefit from using a tongue scraper.

·         Replace your tooth brush in every 2-3 months.

·         Drink plenty of water and keep your mouth hydrated. Rinse water in your mouth.

·         Floss at least once a day. It can help to clean the food particle in between the teeth.

·         Arrange a regular dental checkup. 

  

·         Chew a handful of cloves, fennel seeds, or aniseeds. Their antiseptic qualities help fight halitosis-causing bacteria.

·         Try a 30-second mouthwash rinse that is alcohol-free

·         If you have eaten acidic food or drink, such as oranges (orange juice), wait thirty minutes before brushing your teeth. Your teeth are less likely to erode.

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