Bad Breath- How to Get Rid of It

Bad breath causes anxiety and is quite embarrassing. Odor-producing bacteria are responsible for bad breath. Also called halitosis, a sulfur compound is released by these bacteria that make your breath smell.

Causes of Bad Breath

The following are some of the causes of bad breath in people: 

• Smoking
• Infections in the mouth
• Some medications that cause dry mouth that eventually produces bad breath
• Other mouths, nose, and throat conditions 

How to Prevent Bad Breath

Bad breath can be avoided if one takes proper care of their oral hygiene. It is the key to battling bad breath. The following steps are some of the ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy and improve your breath: 

• Proper Brushing and Flossing

The buildup of plaque further collects more bacteria that leads to bad breath. The food that gets stuck between the teeth also adds to the problem. 

It is therefore essential to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once. Toothpaste that contains antibacterial properties helps in reducing bad breath odors. 

• Avoid Dry Mouth

It is important to drink plenty of water to keep your mouth moist. Drinking alcohol, soft drinks, and coffee, as well as smoking tobacco, lead to a drier mouth. Sugarless chewing gum or sugar-free hard candy helps to stimulate saliva.

• Maintain a Proper Diet

Adjust your diet to eliminate bad breath. Onion, garlic, and spicy foods are great offenders at causing bad breath. It is therefore essential to avoid foods that sour your breath.

One should also brush their teeth after having such foods. Include a rich diet containing Vegetables and celery that have high water content to flush your mouth of debris.

• Rinse Your Mouth 

Mouthwash provides further protection by getting rid of bacteria. Most mouthwashes kill germs that cause bad breath and leave your breath smelling nice for a longer time. It gives a very sweet and fresh breath.

• Clean Your Dental Appliances 

It is important to clean your dentures, bridges, or anything that goes into your mouth. It should be cleaned daily or as recommended by the dentist. Proper cleaning prevents the buildup of bacteria and other germs. 

People with mouthguards or dental retainers should clean them each time before putting them in their mouths. 

Chaffee Pediatric Dentistry provides solutions for all your dental problems. We are located at 1239 East McKellips Rd #107, Mesa, AZ 85203. Contact us at 480.739.2993 or visit our website for further information.