In spite of regular brushing and flossing, everyone tends to experience bad breath at some or the other time, which is also known as halitosis. It has been researched that more than 80 million people tend to suffer from long-lasting halitosis. In most cases, this dental malady tends to originate from the gums and tongue. Bad breath can be very uncomfortable, putting the person in an awkward position, but it is a common condition and there are plentiful ways to avert it. The root causes of this dental issue are no secret: oral cavities, gum ailments, faulty dental hygiene, coated tongue (a yellow or white coating on the tongue, typically due to inflammation) are among the most commonly known reasons.
Umpteen number of bacteria resides in our mouths and some of them on the tongue, underneath the gumline or in pockets generated by gum ailments between gums and teeth. Other causes may encompass undernourishment (fat breakdown lends your breath a fruity smell), unrestrained diabetes, and dry mouth. Contagions like painful throat or sinusitis, or abdominal complaints, such as ulcers, heartburn, and being lactose intolerance, can all lead to bad breath. It can also be caused by underlying dental diseases like cavities, gum diseases and food lodgement. A visit to your dental care expert is recommended to cure these.
Effective Tips To Tackle Bad Breath
Below mentioned are a couple of tips which will aid you in fighting bad breath.
1. Efficient Brushing Technique
You definitely are aware of the fact that proper brushing of teeth will aid in whisking away odors. But the primary aspect to comprehend is that are you doing it appropriately? It is recommended to brush enamels twice a day and it is prudent to properly brush all teeth surfaces, including the gum line and internal portion of the teeth close to the tongue and the palate. To get rid of foul breath, you must invest time in brushing the overall surface of your tongue where bad microorganisms tend to loiter the most after you have finished brushing the teeth and gum line.
(Also read: Turn To These 6 Healthy Habits For A Better Lifestyle)
Did you aware of the right brushing techniques?
2. Daily Flossing Can Lend A Helping Hand
Flossing will help in removing the food fragments that tend to get stuck in between the enamels that a toothbrush possibly cannot reach out to. If the food particles are not removed, the bacteria will start feeding on it, thus paving the way for bad breath.
3. Consider Stimulating Saliva Production
Saliva plays a very important role in reducing bad breath by moistening the mouth. A dry mouth can be the major cause of halitosis. Hence, you must try eating sugar-free chewing gum which will surely encourage the production of saliva. The increased flow of saliva will facilitate in washing away food remains and germs causing bad breath.
4. Brushing Or Scraping Your Tongue Is Beneficial Too
It is advisable that one must invest in a reasonable tool called a tongue scraper. Scrapping your tongue will help getting rid of any food debris stuck to your tongue, thus keeping bad breath at bay. In case you don't have a tongue scraper, you can also utilize your toothbrush for brushing your tongue.
Tobacco triggers bad breath
5. Smoking Or Intake Of Tobacco Products Is A Complete No-No
If you have been looking out for a reason to quit your smoking habits, you definitely have one handy. Smoking majorly contributes to bad breath. Tobacco has an ability to dry out your mouth and can leave a nasty smell that stays even post tooth brushing.
6. Choose Your Edibles Wisely
Some nourishments are unsurprisingly harsh on your breath. Pungent seasonings like vinegar or garlic have an ability to stay well past mealtime, so eat them frugally. It is also advised to avoid sugar-rich, gummy foods that stay on the enamels for long time intervals, and are extremely challenging to eliminate.
7. Stay Hydrated
Ensure that you are drinking an adequate amount of water about 6 to 8 ounce glasses on an everyday basis to escape dryness of the mouth. Drinking water will facilitate in keeping the bad odour under control since it aids in washing away food particles and bacteria, which are the primary cause of bad breath. If you have long-lasting dry mouth or have been taking medications that is causing you to have dry mouth, you can always consult with your oral expert who can recommend an over-the-counter saliva substitute.
(Also read: 5 Morning Habits You Should Adopt For A Healthy Lifestyle)
Drinking sufficient water reduces bad breath
Staying hydrated is vital, chiefly prior and post a heavy workout, when fast breath can increase dryness in the mouth. While it's a good practice in and of itself, ensure to drink enough of water the moment you wake up. This is because the dry mouth can occur while you are asleep, so hydrating first thing in the morning lends you a jump on a night's worth of accumulated bacteria that can contribute to bad breath problems.
9. Try Munching On Healthy Edibles Like Carrots And Apples
Indulging in wholesome edibles between meals like fresh fruits and vegetable help in stepping up the flow of your saliva flow to facilitate in washing away bacteria present in the teeth, tongue, and gums that can lead to bad breath. An unfilled stomach from skipping meals can lead to foul breath as abdominal acids tend to build-up. These nibbles can also benefit in alleviating bad breath triggered by hunger or fasting.
Along with the above-mentioned tips, timely dental visits and appropriate oral sanitation are important for a restored mouth and to reduce bad breath problems. These remedies can make a big difference in your overall oral hygiene.
About the author: Dr. Karishma Jaradi is an aesthetic dentist and an implantologist at Dentzz Dental. She is synonymous with aesthetic dentistry in India. After practising dentistry for several years, she has gained expert skills and knowledge through her practical skills and passion for excellence.
Comments
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. NDTV is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of NDTV and NDTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.
