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How can I Treat Bad Breath?
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
To determine the best way to treat bad breath, or halitosis, you must first determine the cause of the problem. Usually, bad breath is caused by bacteria that grow in the mouth. The most effective treatment for bad breath caused by the accumulation of bacteria is proper oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice per day and flossing once daily. Brushing your tongue is important in taming halitosis as well.
A dry mouth is more prone to bad breath than a moist mouth. As such, drinking plenty of water can be important in treating unpleasant mouth odors. Chewing sugarless gum is helpful as well, as it stimulates saliva production, keeping the mouth moist. Sugary gums should not be used for this purpose; the sugar can lead to tooth decay, adding to bad breath issues.
A visit to your dentist may be helpful in treating halitosis. Decaying teeth are notorious for causing noxious mouth odors. See your dentist at least once every six months. Have cavities filled promptly and follow your dentist’s advice for keeping your mouth healthy.
If your oral hygiene is up to par, you may do well to work on preventing bad breath. There are many foods that contribute to unpleasant mouth odors. For example, onions, garlic, and deli meats are well known for causing bad breath. Avoid them whenever you want fresh smelling breath. Some types of cheese also cause halitosis.
If you do eat foods known to cause halitosis, be aware that brushing your teeth will not chase these odors away. They tend to linger for a day or two. As such, your best bet may be to try to cover the smell with mouthwashes and minty chewing gums. Some individuals have success covering bad breath by chewing fresh parsley sprigs after meals.
Avoid smoking if you’re a trying to avoid bad breath. If you must smoke, remember that gum and mints only cover the problem. To treat it, you’ll need to brush, floss, and stay hydrated. Even so, you may be stuck with bad breath for as long as you continue smoking.
In some cases, bad breath is caused by health conditions and treating it requires addressing the specific medical conditions causing it. Some conditions that commonly cause halitosis include gum disease, diabetes, kidney failure, and certain cancers. Bowel obstruction and pharyngitis can lead to bad breath as well. See your doctor for treatment if you believe your bad breath may be the result of an underlying medical condition.
Nicole Madison
Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.
Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.
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![Deli meat may cause bad breath.]()
Deli meat may cause bad breath. -
![Peppermint is often added to chewing gum to help freshen breath.]()
By: blende40Peppermint is often added to chewing gum to help freshen breath. -
![Bad breath can be caused by bacteria.]()
By: studiovespaBad breath can be caused by bacteria. -
![It is important to stay hydrated when dealing with bad breath.]()
By: studiovespaIt is important to stay hydrated when dealing with bad breath. -
![Foods such as garlic can cause bad breath.]()
By: SchliernerFoods such as garlic can cause bad breath. -
![People with dry mouth are at greater risk of having bad breath.]()
By: BeniccePeople with dry mouth are at greater risk of having bad breath. -
![Chewing parsley can help get rid of bad breath.]()
By: Barbara PhebyChewing parsley can help get rid of bad breath. -
![Eating onions can cause bad breath.]()
By: NatikaEating onions can cause bad breath. -
![Regular flossing can help prevent bad breath caused by poor oral hygiene.]()
By: Monkey BusinessRegular flossing can help prevent bad breath caused by poor oral hygiene. -
![Chlorophyll supplements can be taken to reduce bad breath.]()
By: Maksim ShebekoChlorophyll supplements can be taken to reduce bad breath. -
![Regularly using mouthwash can help kill the germs which cause bad breath.]()
By: Matthew ColeRegularly using mouthwash can help kill the germs which cause bad breath. -
![For some people, chronic bad breath can be a sign of a serious health condition, like cancer or diabetes.]()
By: Gina SandersFor some people, chronic bad breath can be a sign of a serious health condition, like cancer or diabetes.
Discussion Comments
Never suck on lemon; it will ruin your teeth!
When brushing your teeth is not convenient, there are some easy remedies for food caused bad breath.
Lemon fights bad breath, so sucking on a wedge of lemon, or lemon rind, or having water with lemon, after a meal should help with bad breath.
It can be repeated several times in the course of the day.
Parsley, rosemary, or basil can do the same job. The oils in those herbs freshen up the breath.
Crunchy fruit like apples fall in the same category, as does drinking of water. Dry mouth seems to make bad breath worse.
To keep bad breath in check in addition to good oral hygiene, eating plain, unsweetened yogurt might be the right medicine for bad breath. Having yogurt in the morning and evening with fruit that is high in vitamin C might just be all one needs to keep the mouth odor free.
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