About 30% of Americans complain of bad breath otherwise known as halitosis.
Bad breath can signify an array of issues whether it’s poor oral hygiene or stomach problems. Perhaps you’re struggling with bad breath and you’re avoiding social interactions because of it.
Sounds like you? Don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place. Here are the causes and how to get rid of bad breath.
Causes of Bad Breath
Before we dive into the treatment, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the top causes of bad breath. When you realize cause then you know what to avoid and when to take action. Consider these, for example:
Poor Oral Hygiene
If you want to eliminate bad breath then consider your current oral hygiene. Those who neglect regularly brushing and flossing their teeth will get a buildup of food particles and plaque in their mouth.
When this isn’t removed, the debris rots and results in bad breath. Note that maintaining good oral hygiene is harder if you’ve got crooked teeth or fixed braces so flossing is crucial to remove these particles.
Dental Issues
“Why do I have bad breath?” You ask.
Dental issues are a major cause like plaque buildup. If this goes unnoticed, then it results in tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease that will affect your breath. Other infections also include an impacted tooth, ulcer, or abscess.
Poor Diet
Diets for bad breath are ones high in sugar and have a strong smell like garlic, spicy foods, and fish. Coffee, alcohol, and soda can also lead to bad breath as they accelerate plaque buildup.
Plus, tobacco causes bad breath as the chemicals to leave behind a bad odor, lead to gum disease, and dry out your mouth.
Dry Mouth
Not sure what causes bad breath?
One reason is dry mouth when your body doesn’t produce enough saliva to rinse food debris from your mouth. This is because we rely on saliva production to control the number of oral bacteria we have.
Stomach Problems
Bad breath may be a sign of stomach problems. These include acid reflux, liver or kidney disease, and other digestive issues. If you regularly suffer from these then contact your doctor and they’ll give you medication to handle this.
Getting Rid of Bad Breath
You know what causes your bad breath but what’s the next step? Luckily, there are many simple and affordable ways to eliminate it. For example:
Brush and Floss Daily
Aside from the keto breath cure, you should also brush and floss daily. Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride and has antibacterial properties as it’ll remove any odor.
You should also change your soft-bristled toothbrush every three months or when it starts to get frayed as it won’t be as effective. And don’t forget a quick swish of mouthwash afterward as it helps dislodge food particles and freshens your breath.
But avoid rinsing your mouth with water after brushing. This is because it will wash away the concentrated fluoride in the toothpaste so your teeth won’t be protected.
Clean Your Tongue
Many of us overlook the tongue but it’s a harbor for bacteria. If you don’t clean your tongue then you’ll notice a white film appears which is plaque buildup. So get a tongue scraper or find a toothbrush that has a built-in one.
Dental Treatment
If your gums are swollen and bleeding, schedule an appointment with your dentist. Your hygienist may advise you to a gum specialist and give your teeth a thorough clean. To prevent any issues, visit your dentist twice a year to avoid gingivitis as it can also cause bad breath.
Avoid Dry Mouth
Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth moist. Although it’s tempting to replace water with soda or coffee, these can lead to a drier mouth and you’ll get bad breath. If it’s a chronic problem then your dentist may give you oral medication to help stimulate saliva production.
Chew Sugar-Free Gum
Another way to stimulate saliva is chewing on sugar-free gum. You should do this after meals as it’ll help remove any stubborn food particles. Or, a quick way to fix bad breath, is an oral spray as this will relieve dry mouth at the same time.
Tea Tree Oil Rinse
Tea tree oil is great for fixing bad breath because it fights against oral bacteria. You can reap the benefits by adding several drops of tea tree oil to your toothpaste or rinsing your mouth with it.
To create a tea tree oil rinse, add a cup of warm water. Mix then swish this into your mouth for at least 30 seconds. But like with regular mouthwash, don’t swallow.
Tea tree, not your thing? Then consider spearmint, peppermint, or cinnamon oil as they’re effective too.
Try Strong Smelling Herbs and Spices
Many spices and seeds contain aromatic essential oils that hide bad breath. Consider making a palate-cleansing tea by adding fennel seeds, star anise, or cloves to hot water and letting it steep before drinking.
You can also try rosemary, theme, and parsley.
That’s How to Get Rid of Bad Breath
Hopefully, after reading this article, you know how to get rid of bad breath.
Make sure you practice good oral hygiene, stay hydrated, and attend your dentist appointments for a deep clean. You should also chew sugar-free gum after meals, try a tea tree oil rinse, and brew herb tea as it’ll improve your breath. Good luck!
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