How Do I Get Rid of Bad Breath?
The first step to eliminating bad breath is to treat the exact cause of the problem. Even though some people adopt home methods to eliminate this bad smell, such as gargling, teas, etc., this does nothing to solve the factor that is causing bad breath. The recommendation is to consult a doctor and a dentist so that all symptoms presented can be evaluated.
When the Cause of Bad Breath Is Actually in Your Teeth and Gums
In addition to understanding the causes of bad breath coming from the throat, it's important to understand when this foul odor is caused by problems related to teeth and gums. Let's take a look.
- Bacterial plaque
- Gingivitis
- Periodontitis
- Tongue coating
- Dry mouth
- Cavities
- Poor oral hygiene
When we talk about bad breath, it is essential to remember the importance of oral hygiene in everyday life. Failure to use dental floss and mouthwash, not brushing your teeth enough daily, and poor tongue hygiene are also among the causes of bad breath.
Bad breath caused by tooth decay or cavities occurs due to the accumulation of bacteria and food residue that gets stuck in the hole created inside the tooth (which can be addressed with dental cleanings).
- Drink water. In addition to several other benefits, water helps prevent bad breath, which often occurs due to a dry mouth or low saliva content. This is also why our breath isn't usually "fresh" when we wake up.
- Brush your teeth. Don't forget to brush your teeth after meals and before bed, as bacteria have more time to act at night.
- Don't skip flossing. A bad taste in your mouth can often come from dirt accumulated between your teeth or from tartar itself. Floss at least once a day (or more, depending on your dentist's recommendations).
- Brush your tongue. Have you brushed and flossed your teeth? Don't worry—your oral hygiene isn't complete yet. Finally, to remove food and bacteria buildup from the surface of your tongue, you should also gently brush it (with a toothbrush and toothpaste).
- Pay attention to your diet. Extreme diets that completely eliminate carbohydrates tend to cause bad breath—reconsider and try to eat at least one slice of bread a day. Furthermore, certain foods, such as apples, carrots, and cucumbers, when eaten raw, "scrape" your teeth and act as dental floss aids.
- The mouth isn't the only suspect. In some cases, the problem may be deeper, literally. The esophagus or stomach may be the cause, especially in cases of reflux or gastritis. When in doubt, start by consulting a dentist, but don't rule out a visit to a general practitioner or gastroenterologist if things don't improve.
- Avoid coffee. Coffee can create a coating on your tongue, preventing oxygenation and promoting the growth of bacteria (the main culprits of bad breath). Why not swap coffee for tea?
In Conclusion
There are many reasons why halitosis is present. And while there are many ways to improve this condition, it is important to see a dentist right away to make sure the underlying causes are indeed oral in nature. Contact us today!