Bad breath, or halitosis, is a common condition that has many different causes. Many people attempt to get rid of bad breath using mouthwashes, mints or special toothpastes, but these over-the-counter remedies only provide temporary relief, according to the Mayo Clinic. To get rid of bad breath for good, you must uncover any underlying medical disorders contributing to your condition, make lifestyle changes and practice good oral hygiene.
Step 1
Schedule regular appointments with your dentist for a thorough cleaning and examination. Tell your dentist about any medications you are taking or health conditions you suffer from so that he will be able to accurately diagnose the cause of your bad breath.
Step 2
Watch what you eat. Certain foods can increase bad breath, such as onions and garlic, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). Brushing and flossing will not get rid of bad breath caused by these foods because the actual odor comes from your lungs. After ingestion, the food is absorbed into your bloodstream and transferred to your lungs, where you breathe it out through your mouth. If you notice an increase in bad breath after eating certain foods, eliminate those foods from your diet to get rid of bad breath for good.
Step 3
Brush and floss every day to prevent the accumulation and rotting food particles inside your mouth. Trapped food can lead to bad breath and tooth decay. The Mayo Clinic also recommends brushing your tongue with a soft-bristled toothbrush every time you clean your teeth to prevent build-up of bacteria, food particles and dead cells.
Step 4
Chew gum or suck on sugarless candy to eliminate bad breath caused by dry mouth. Saliva plays an important role in cleaning the mouth by removing food debris and bacteria from teeth and gums. Chewing gum and sucking on candy increases saliva production. The ADA recommends increasing your fluid intake to prevent dry mouth caused by dehydration.
Step 5
Treat any medical conditions that may be contributing to or causing your bad breath. The Mayo Clinic states that bad breath may indicate the presence of an underlying medical disorder, such as chronic sinusitis, diabetes, cancer, kidney failure, liver failure, certain metabolism disorders or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Effective treatment of these conditions may eliminate your bad breath.
Step 6
Stop smoking to get rid of bad breath for good. Smokers are more likely to suffer from dry mouth and periodontal disease, both of which contribute to bad breath.
Step 7
Avoid crash diets and lose weight gradually to prevent developing bad breath due to ketoacidosis, a condition that occurs when chemicals in the body break down due to fasting. The American Academy of Family Physicians also suggests avoiding high-protein diets and eating plenty of fruits and vegetables when dieting.
Tips and Warnings
- Mouthwashes offer only temporary relief from bad breath, according to the ADA. If you need to use mouthwash or a breath freshener frequently to control your bad breath, it is time to seek advice from a dentist. The Mayo Clinic recommends trying fresh parsley or sugarless mints for temporary control of bad breath.
Things You'll Need
- Fluoride toothpaste
- Dental floss
- Sugarless gum or candy
