Bad breath, or halitosis as professionals call it, is when you struggle with an awful smelling breath every day. People who have halitosis aren’t always aware of it, and they often find out about it from their family and friends. If you’re brushing and flossing your teeth but, the smell keeps coming back, it’s time that you consult a professional. Learn more about halitosis here!
What is Halitosis?
Bacteria that are on the tongue are known to be one of the causes of halitosis. These bacteria produce sulfur that causes an awful smell in your mouth and throat. Bad breath can happen on occasion, but others have to deal with it all the time. Bad oral habits and the food you consume may also contribute to your bad breath.
What Causes Bad Breath?
There are a variety of factors that might be the root cause of your halitosis. Here are a few to give you an overview:
- Poor dental hygiene: This is one of the top causes of halitosis. When you don’t brush and floss your teeth, food debris gets stuck in between. When not removed, bacteria-causing germs form in your teeth.
- Tobacco products: Nicotine can also contribute to bad cases of halitosis. Smokers are prone to developing gum disease that often results in bad breath.
- Food: The food you eat can also be a factor here. Some foods that may affect your breath are garlic, onions, and spices.
- Dry mouth: When you have a dry mouth case, saliva production in your mouth is not enough. Dry mouth typically happens when you sleep with your mouth open resulting in your morning breath.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Bad Breath?
Here are the signs and symptoms of halitosis that you should look out for:
- Mucus
- White coating in the back of your tongue
- Bitter metallic taste
- Bad morning breath
- Thick saliva
What Are Natural Remedies for Bad Breath?
There are natural remedies for bad breath that might be sitting in your cupboard. Here are some of them:
- Yogurt: Yogurt contains live bacteria called lactobacillus. This bacteria can combat bacteria that cause bad breath. You can have one serving of plain yogurt each day.
- Water: We can’t stress this enough. Hydrating yourself with water will help your mouth produce the saliva that it needs to fight morning breath.
- Parsley: Years ago, people used parsley to fight bad breath. Studies suggest that because of its chlorophyll content, parsley can deodorize the mouth. You can munch on fresh parsley after each meal.
- Milk: A glass of milk is effective when you’ve just eaten onions or garlic. Milk is one of the most common natural remedies for halitosis.
- Orange: Oranges and other fruits rich in Vitamin C can help in saliva production. This increase in saliva production will be beneficial for you, especially if you have a dry mouth.
- Green tea: Tea is known for having deodorizing and disinfecting contents that can freshen your breath after a meal.
How to Get Rid of Bad Breath?
Suppose you’re suffering from bad breath. Don’t panic! There are bad breath treatments that you can give a try.
- Brush and floss your teeth twice a day. The American Dental Association recommends this routine. When you do this, you won’t have to worry about food particles in your mouth. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and fluoride toothpaste.
- Avoid smoking. You may have to give up tobacco products altogether to avoid worsening your bad breath.
- Use mouthwash. Brushing your teeth isn’t always enough. Make sure that you use mouthwash before going to bed.
- Drink water. When you have a dry mouth, drinking water for the whole day can do wonders. You can also try over-the-counter moisturizing gels or sprays.
- Pay your dentist a visit. Having your teeth cleaned by a professional at least twice a year can help you combat halitosis.
Bad breath can be demeaning, but you shouldn’t let halitosis get in the way. Now that you know how to prevent bad breath, you can regain your confidence and smile back. If the natural remedies didn’t work for you, you could always seek dental professionals’ help.
We at Advanced Dental Group will connect you to the best dentists in your area. You don’t have to manage halitosis alone. They are well-equipped, and you can guarantee that they’ll give you the best treatment plan there is! Contact us now.
