Bad breath, also called Halitosis, results from poor dental health habits and may be a sign of other health problems. It can be embarrassing and in some cases even cause anxiety. Many people have bad breath but they do not know it because it is usually difficult to assess how your own breath smells, always ask your close friend or family to confirm these doubts.
If you don’t brush and floss your teeth daily, food particles often remain inside promoting bacterial growth between teeth and on the tongue which cause bad breath. Smoking or chewing tobacco can also cause bad breath.
Persistent bad breath even after you brush your teeth may be a warning sign of gum disease.
CAUSES OF PERSISTENT BAD BREATH
- Buildup of plaque on teeth. Bacteria cause the formation of toxins to form which irritates the gums. If gum disease continues to be untreated, it can damage the gums and jaw bones.
- A dry mouth can also cause bad breath- saliva is necessary to moisten the mouth, neutralize acids produced by plague, and wash away dead cells that accumulate on the tongue, gums and cheeks.
- Poorly fitting dental appliances, yeast infection of the mouth and dental caries.
- Bad breath can also be caused by the food you eat for example raw onions and garlic because they contain smelly sulfur compounds.
- Individuals who suffer from diabetes, lung diseases, and kidney problems often experience chronic foul breath due to dry mouth.
BAD BREATH REMEDIES.
- Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpastes or baking soda. The bacteria that causes bad breath thrive in an acidic oral environment. Brushing your teeth with baking soda helps neutralize excess acids found in the oral cavity.
- Brush teeth after you eat, carry a toothbrush at work or school to brush after lunch. Don’t forget to brush the tongue as well.
- Eat fibrous fruits and vegetables like an Apple. It is one of the best way to remove bacteria in the mouth.
- Replace your toothbrush after every 3 months.
- See your dentist at least twice a year to perform an oral exam and professional teeth cleaning.
- Drink a lot of water to keep your mouth moist. Chewing gum also stimulates the production of saliva.
- An antiseptic mouthwash can help eliminate bacteria that causes bad breath.
- Dentists normally recommend mouth washers and tooth pastes that contain oxygenated agents such as chlorine dioxide or sodium chlorite to neutralize volatile sulfur compounds and help control odor.
WAYS TO PREVENT BAD BREATH
- Eat foods rich in fiber, avoid eating heavily processed foods that contain refined carbohydrates such as cookies, cakes and cookies.
- Drink green and black teas, this contain polyphenols that help eliminate sulfur compounds and reduce oral bacteria.
- Stop smoking or drinking alcohol.
- Breathe through your nose instead of your mouth. Try to address any snoring or sleep apnea issues that could be affecting your breath and causing dry mouth.
