How to Ditch the Unwanted Bad Breath

Summary: Everyone knows that having bad breath can be an embarrassing occurrence and sometimes brushing your teeth is not always enough. Many people forget some easy ways to help improve bad breath and keep your mouth smelling fresh. Although many people brush their teeth a lot of people do not brush their tongue and gums. Brushing all parts of your mouth can remove smelly bacteria that stick to your entire mouth, not just your teeth. Using antibacterial mouthwash can not only create an immediate fresh breath but removes bacteria throughout your mouth in places a toothbrush cannot always reach.

Furthermore, other ways to help improve bad breath can include choosing sugarless gum, quit smoking, flossing regularly, brushing twice a day, and getting regular checkups and yearly dental cleaning. Take action and get rid of your bad breath with a few simple steps.

Original Article: Get rid of bad breath

Bad breath is something we all worry about but are too polite to mention when we notice it in others.

Everyone has bad breath from time to time, but for one in four adults in the UK it’s a regular problem. Persistent bad breath can be embarrassing. It can make people feel shy, awkward and self-conscious.

It’s easy to spot bad breath in others but you can never quite be sure about your own. If you think you might have bad breath, there’s a simple test you can do. Lick the inside of your wrist and sniff. If the smell is bad, you can be pretty sure your breath is too.

Or, ask someone you trust unreservedly to smell your breath. Don't be offended if they tell you there's a problem. Wouldn’t you rather know? 

Generally, bad breath (also called halitosis) isn’t serious. In most cases it's caused by poor dental hygiene.

Bits of food that get caught between the teeth and on the tongue will rot and can sometimes cause an unpleasant smell.

Strong smelling food such as garlic, onions, some milk-based products (such as cheese), coffee, smoking and some types of medication can all cause short-term bad breath.

The build-up of decaying food and other bits of debris on the surface of your tonsils, known as tonsil stones, is another source of bad breath.

Bad breath can be caused by some medical conditions, such as dry mouth; diabetes; gastritis; infections in the throat, nose or lungs; as well as liver and kidney problems.

Tips for fresh breath

• Brush your teeth twice a day. Use a fluoride toothpaste. Correct and regular brushing is very important to keep your breath smelling fresh. 

• Brush or scrape your tongue. A soft rubber wiper called a tongue scraper can remove bacteria at the back of the tongue, which brushing can miss.

• Floss your teeth. Brushing alone only cleans up to about 60% of the surface of your teeth. Flossing removes food trapped between teeth, which would otherwise turn stale and smelly. Another product you can buy to clean between your teeth is an interdental brush.

• Use an antibacterial mouthwash. The best time to use mouthwash is just before bedtime. There are many different types of mouthwash. Most are alcohol-based. Alcohol can dry out or irritate your mouth, so if you have problems, switch to an alcohol-free brand that contains chlorhexidine or hydrogen peroxide.

• Use sugar-free gum. The chewing stimulates saliva and stops your mouth drying out. A dry mouth can lead to bad breath. But gum is not a substitute for proper oral hygiene. Always clean your teeth thoroughly, even if you've chewed gum.

• Have a check-up with your dentist at least once a year. It’s a chance to have a deep clean of your teeth and review your oral hygiene practices. You’ll also get a definitive answer on whether you’ve got bad breath.

• Quit smoking. If you smoke, your breath is likely to smell of stale smoke. Smoking cigarettes also increases your risk of getting gum disease, which is another cause of bad breath.  

If you have persistent bad breath, try keeping a diary of all the foods you eat, and list any medicines you're taking. Take this diary to your dentist – they may be able to suggest ways to solve the problem.

If your breath doesn't improve no matter what you do, you might not even have bad breath. Some people are convinced they have bad breath when they don’t. This is a condition known as halitophobia.

People with halitophobia are paranoid about the smell of their breath. They become fixated with cleaning their teeth, chewing gum and using mouth fresheners.

Treatment for halitophobia involves talking therapiesand cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to help the person overcome their paranoia about the smell of their breath.

Source: http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/embarrassingconditions/Pages/bad-breath.aspx

Disclaimer: This article was shared for informational purposes only. ADHP is not responsible for any claims, advice or errors that might exist in the articles. Third party websites or analysis presented.

This article was originally published on ADHP's editorials section. It is general information, not a diagnosis, and does not replace an in-person examination. If you have symptoms, book an appointment or call (562) 923-0038.