Bad breath--also known as halitosis--is a social no-no and can cause great offense to others. It is usually a sign of poor oral hygiene, but there are many simple, quick remedies that can freshen your breath. However, halitosis can also be caused by an underlying medical condition, says MedicineNet.com, so if your bad breath is persistent, seek advice and a proper diagnosis from your doctor or dentist.
Causes of Bad Breath
According to the British Dental Foundation, bad breath is naturally caused by the smelly gases released by bacteria in your mouth. The problem is made worse by bits of food that get caught between your teeth after eating. Certain foods and drinks are more likely than others to adversely affect your breath, and smoking is of course fresh breath's worst enemy.
In some cases, MedicineNet.com says bad breath can be a sign of a medical condition, such as respiratory tract conditions, chronic acid reflux, diabetes and dry mouth, which occurs when your mouth doesn't produce enough saliva. This condition can be caused by taking certain medications, including some used for depression, colds and flu, diarrhea and acne. While medical conditions are less common causes of bad breath, you should seek medical advice if you suspect your bad breath is due to a health issue.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
As most bad breath is caused by oral bacteria and food, one of the simplest cures is to brush and floss your teeth regularly--ideally after every meal, but at least twice a day. The British Dental Foundation recommends using a toothpaste that contains fluoride and brushing for a minimum of two minutes, covering your teeth, gums and tongue. To remove trapped food and plaque from between your teeth, you should floss after brushing.
According to the British Dental Foundation, a lot of mouthwashes only mask bad breath, and because many contain alcohol, they can give you a dry mouth which in turn can create bad breath! Speak to your dentist about the best mouthwashes available, or use a natural alternative, such as a gargle of warm, diluted, salty water, says the Bad Breath Remedies & Treatments website.
Watch What You Drink
Coffee and alcohol are known to cause bad breath, possibly because they can lead to dehydration. So, with your morning cup of Joe or evening glass of wine drink plenty of water. According to MedicineNet.com, water will keep your mouth moist and help flush away bacteria and food particles.
Avoid Strong Foods
Foods such as garlic and onions are known to cause bad breath, and some people are more likely than others to be affected by them. If removing these common culprits from your diet doesn't help, MedicineNet.com suggests keeping a food diary. Write down everything you eat for a week then remove one thing at time. If your breath improves by not eating a particular food item, you'll know that item is to blame.
Try a Natural Toothpaste
According to the Bad Breath Remedies & Treatments website, using baking soda instead of or in addition to toothpaste will make your mouth less acidic. This makes your mouth a much less fertile breeding ground for bacteria. You can simply sprinkle baking soda straight on to your toothbrush and brush as normal. However, the Dental Helpline website says you may need to reapply as the baking soda will dissolve quite quickly. Alternatively, apply your regular toothpaste to your brush then add a little baking soda on top.
