You know what's even more embarrassing than realising that you just gave an entire presentation with a piece of food stuck in your front teeth? Bad breath. The thing about bad breath is, unlike that piece of food, it's not just embarrassing for you, it's also extremely unpleasant for those interacting with you. Bad breath, or halitosis as it is more formally known, is a foul odour emanating from the mouth. While it may not seem like a medical emergency, it is a rather distressing problem that affects an estimated 25 percent of people in the world. The reasons for and origins of bad breath can vary, but one of the most common reasons is, not surprisingly, poor oral hygiene.
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Also Read: Dealing With Body Odour? Here's How You Can Stop It
Here are a few ways to fight bad breath.
1. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, if not after every meal - and floss your teeth at least once a day. But be careful not to brush them too hard, though, or you could cause your gums and teeth to become more vulnerable to decay.
2. Replace your toothbrush every two to three months. The possibility of bacteria and germs collecting on your toothbrush as it sits in your bathroom day after day is not something you should rule out.
3. Add a mouthwash to your routine. Besides freshening your breath, a mouthwash can give you extra protection by getting rid of bacteria.
4. Clean your tongue. That white coating that appears on your tongue as a result of not cleaning it regularly can become a suitable host for smelly bacteria.
5. Avoid foods, such as onion and garlic, that you know will make your breath sour. If you don't think you can give them up altogether, limit your intake of such foods to once every two-three days.
6. If you're a smoker, you have one more reason to quit. Not only does smoking cause cancer, but it also stains your teeth, damages your gums and gives you bad breath.
7. Chew on some cloves or aniseeds. Their antiseptic qualities can help fight the halitosis causing bacteria.
