HOW TO AVOID BAD BREATH (HALITOSIS)
By
Bad breath or halitosis—most of us experience it at some point in life. It can have a negative impact on their personal relationship, quality of life, or confidence.
Studies show that 1 in 4 adults experience bad breath. No surprise that plenty of mouthwashes, gums, sprays, and mints are available on market. But many of these only mask the actual issues temporarily.
WHAT CAUSES BAD BREATH
- Improper oral hygiene
- Foods such as onion, garlic, and curry
- Smoking and tobacco
- Tooth decay and gum disease
- Xerostomia or dry mouth
- Diseases such as diabetes, gastrointestinal diseases, tonsilitis, infections of the nose, throat, lungs, etc
HOW TO AVOID BAD BREATH
-PROPER ORAL HYGIENE ROUTINE
Maintain good brushing and flossing routine. Make sure gum line and interdental areas are clean, as unclean food particles can cause an increase in the bacterial count which can produce foul-smelling compounds.
Those who are wearing dentures should clean them regularly and make sure that they fit properly
Do not forget to clean your tongue regularly.
-PROPER DIET
Avoid food items that can cause tooth decay such as sugary food items and beverages like soda and carbonated drinks
Foods such as onion, garlic, and spices can also cause bad breath.
-SMOKING
Smoking and other tobacco products can cause bad breath. Smoking also increases the risk of gum diseases and dry mouth which causes halitosis.
-DRY MOUTH OR XEROSTOMIA
Saliva neutralizes plaque acids and constantly washes around our mouth and teeth, fighting cavities and helping us keep our breath fresh. It also fights against dental caries.
So if you experience a dry mouth, drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, smoking, coffee.
Chew sugar-free chewing gum to stimulate saliva production and flow
-REGULAR DENTAL VISIT
A regular dental check-up can be helpful in detecting diseases of tooth and gum in the early stages. Your dentist can check for gum infections, broken fillings, new tooth decays, ill-fitting dental crowns, and dentures which can cause accumulation of food particles and cause bad breath.