1. Brushing Every Day Keeps the Bad Breath Away
Proper oral hygiene is the best way to treat and prevent bad breath, or halitosis. For best results, brush after every meal using a chlorine dioxide toothpaste and use a mouthwash upon awakening and before bed which also contains chlorine dioxide. Remember that bacteria which cause bad breath also live on your tongue and cheeks, so use your toothbrush or a tongue scraper to clean them as well. Flossing daily and getting regular dental cleanings can help to remove built-up plaque, lessening the causes of bad breath.
2. The Odor of Periodontal Disease
Gum disease is a common cause of bad breath. If you have tried a number of bad breath treatments to no avail, it may be time to check with your dentist. Gum disease can cause gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums, which can form pockets around the teeth, easy places for odor causing bacteria to hide. If you notice bleeding gums when flossing and/or brushing, have painful and/or pink, swollen gums or worse, your teeth begin to feel loose, see your dentist as soon as possible.
3. No Plaque, No Bad Breath
Aside from regular dental hygiene, there are a few other ways to prevent the build-up of plaque, therefore reducing bad breath. Snack on fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the day, such as apples, celery and carrots. The simple act of chewing helps to remove plaque and clean the teeth. Also, promote the creation of saliva, the body's natural mouthwash, by drinking plenty of water and chewing sugarless gum. Remember that candies and gums which contain sugar not only feed bacteria which cause bad breath, they also promote the growth of cavities. If you indulge in a sweet treat, be sure to brush well and rinse afterwards.
4. Neutralize Bad Breath
Bad breath can often be caused by the foods you eat, such as garlic and onions. While bad breath caused by foods is difficult to eliminate, a few tricks can help you enjoy your foods instead of sacrificing them. Tomato juice contains compounds of zinc salts which are known to help fight bad breath, so drink a glass of tomato juice after a strong meal. You can also add a bit of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to your regular toothpaste when brushing after eating.
5. The Green Tea Treatment
The root cause of bad breath is the growth of bacteria in the mouth. Researches have found that green tea can help to eliminate bacteria, not only fighting bad breath, but also helping to prevent cavities, gum disease and other dental problems. A few drops of green tea extract can be added to your regular toothpaste, a strong tea can be used as an after meal rinse or you might simply enjoy a hot cup of strong tea when you notice bad breath.
