Effective ways to treat bad breath

There are many different reasons why this problem can occur, and sometimes it can even be a sign of something more serious than you think.

Causes of bad breath

1. Eating too many spices and strong-smelling foods

It's no secret that strong-smelling foods, like garlic and chili, can leave a bad smell in our mouths. This is because they are absorbed into our bloodstream and affect our breath. This explains why you may find that even after brushing your teeth after eating these foods, the smell of them still lingers in your mouth.

2. Not brushing and flossing daily

These two activities are more important than we may realize, because they remove small food particles that get stuck in the teeth. They will accumulate and begin to decompose in the mouth, which is what causes the unpleasant smell. In addition, if you do not brush your teeth regularly, plaque forms, which can cause inflammation of the gums. This problem is called gingivitis, and it can lead to bad breath if not treated promptly.

3. Health problems, such as dry mouth and other conditions

Dry mouth, or Xerostomia, occurs when someone’s mouth doesn’t produce enough saliva. This means that food particles can’t be swept away, and they get trapped there and begin to decompose. However, this isn’t the only cause of dry mouth, as various medications, mouth breathing, and salivary gland disorders can also be a problem.

Additionally, infections and inflammation in the mouth, nose, and tonsils can also cause odor. Additionally, people with certain cancers, liver failure, and other metabolic diseases can also cause you to start having bad breath. The reason is that the medications they take create a mixture of chemicals.

4. Have a strict diet

Unhealthy dieting is dangerous in all sorts of ways, and it can also lead to bad breath, among other things. What can happen is that these diets produce energy at different rates, because they are low in carbohydrates. Our bodies start using all the protein for energy, which creates a lot of ketones, which can smell very bad.

Solution to reduce bad breath

1. Clean your mouth and brush your teeth at least twice a day

Maintaining good overall oral hygiene is step number one. Ideally, you should brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. However, you can increase these activities if you feel the need, but remember not to brush too hard as this can weaken your teeth. Also, remember to replace your toothbrush every 2-3 months and brush your tongue as well.

Another good idea is to use mouthwash twice a day. Choose an antibacterial or antiseptic mouthwash that contains fluoride to kill all the bacteria that cause bad breath and gum disease. If you wear dentures or braces, remove them before going to bed or clean your braces thoroughly.

2. Choose chewing gum after meals

Chewing gum is known to stimulate saliva production, which means there is a stronger layer of protection against plaque acids. These acids are the cause of tooth decay and gum disease. But make sure you choose sugar-free gum, as the bacteria that live in your mouth love sugar and will produce harmful acids with it.

3. Drink plenty of water to avoid dry mouth

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help with dry mouth by keeping your mouth hydrated. This will also help with saliva production, which is important. Another thing you can do to produce more saliva is to start eating foods that require a lot of chewing, like carrots and apples.

4. You can try some home remedies

Adding certain foods to your daily routine can be very helpful. For example, research has shown that people who ate yogurt for 6 weeks had less body odor. If you want to try this, you will need to eat at least 1 serving of nonfat yogurt every day.

However, if that’s not your thing, you can try drinking some orange juice or eating a few oranges each day. Research has shown that oranges help produce saliva, keeping your mouth hydrated and protecting it from bacteria. Green tea has also been shown to have deodorizing and antiseptic properties. You can start drinking 1-2 cups a day or brew it the night before, chill it in the fridge, and take it to work the next day.

5. See a doctor

In some cases, bad breath has nothing to do with your oral hygiene and your dentist will advise you if this is the case. That is when you may need to see a specialist so they can get to the root of the problem and find the best treatment option.

According to VOV