Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can have one of two causes. The first is an underlying medical condition, such as diabetes or intestinal distress. The second is the reproduction and accumulation of bacteria in the mouth. According to the New York State Dental Journal, 90 percent of the causes of bad breath are related to oral care. If you often suffer from bad breath, make an appointment with your doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions. If you know that your halitosis is due to oral causes, try some of these proven home treatments to alleviate it.
Tongue Scraping
While tongue brushing is often recommended by dentists, not many people actually practice it. If you suffer from bad breath, it is a treatment you should use daily. A report in the "Archives of Oral Biology" states that most of the bacteria that cause bad breath are in the coating on the tongue, and that scraping or brushing of the tongue is one of the most effective ways to fight it. While the bacteria will never completely be gone, daily tongue brushing or scraping can help keep the bacteria, and accompanying odor, under control.
Tongue scrapers can be purchased at most pharmacies. To scrape the tongue, start on the right side and begin as far back as you can get the scraper without gagging. Gently apply pressure to the scraper as you pull it forward on your tongue, rinsing it after each pass. Continue from right to left until you have covered the entire tongue.
Mouth Rinse
Along with tongue scraping, the "International Dental Journal" recommends using a mouth rinse to fight bad breath. Use a mouthwash that contains zinc as its active agent, as it is better for daily use. Avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol, as their repeated use can lead to oral cancer according to the "Dental Journal of Australia."
Essential oils are also becoming popular mouthwash ingredients, as they do not contain the harsh ingredients contained in standard mouthwash. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that eucalyptus oil has been found to be beneficial in treating halitosis, as it has antiseptic and antibacterial properties. To create your own eucalyptus mouthwash, add 2 drops of pure eucalyptus oil and 1 tsp. of baking soda to 1 cup of mineral water. Mix together well, and rinse mouth. Be sure to not swallow any mouthwash when rinsing your mouth, no matter what type you use.
Increase Home Oral Care
One of the best home treatments for bad breath is to be diligent with your oral care. A report published in "Clinical Oral Investigations" claims that the best treatments for bad breath are the ones performed at home, which are the above mentioned tongue brushing or scraping, rinsing the mouth and flossing. Flossing is important because it helps remove debris and plaque from areas between the teeth that tooth brushing cannot reach.
While listing these treatments may seem elementary, they are not always practiced. A survey published in the "International Journal of Dental Hygiene" showed that not even dental professionals adhere to their own advice all of the time, although they did better than those who were not in their profession. If you suffer from bad breath, begin implementing these treatments into your daily routine and you will see significant improvement. If not, see your dentist and have him or her check for a mouth infection or cavities, and see your medical doctor regarding the possibility of an underlying condition.
