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How to Get Rid of Bad Breath?

Most individuals occasionally have bad breath, but for certain people, it may become more obvious and chronic. It could have a detrimental impact on someone’s self-esteem as well as their social or professional life. Halitosis, the medical term for bad breath, can be brought on by bad dental hygiene practices and may indicate underlying health issues. Foods you eat and other unhealthy lifestyle choices can also exacerbate bad breath. Your dentist can assist you in treating and preventing halitosis at home.

Causes of Bad Breath

Dental problems and inadequate oral hygiene are the main causes of bad breath. Food particles get stuck in between and around teeth if you don’t clean and floss every day. Bad-smelling gases are produced when bacteria in the mouth break down those particles. Similar issues can also arise from improperly fitting or neglected dentures. Bad breath can also be caused by dental conditions such as tooth decay, gum disease, and dental abscesses.

Although not practising good dental hygiene is the primary cause of bad breath, it is not the sole cause. Bad breath can also result from a number of different conditions, such as:

  • Dry Mouth

Saliva helps clean your mouth, therefore bad breath may result from insufficient saliva production. Smoking raises your risk of gum disease and can cause dry mouth. Additionally, dry mouth might be a side effect of some drugs.

  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

This digestive condition causes stomach acid or liquid to seep back into the oesophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach.

  • Gingivitis

An inflammation of the gums that can result in bleeding, swelling, and redness is called gingivitis. It is brought on by plaque, a sticky substance that accumulates on teeth and is easily eradicated with regular brushing and flossing. Gingivitis that is left untreated can develop into periodontitis, which weakens the gums and can cause loss of teeth and surrounding bone. Advanced gum disease known as “trench mouth” can cause excruciating pain, bleeding, fever, and exhaustion.

  • Smoking

Smoking and chewing tobacco dries out the mouth, decreasing natural cleansing and increasing odour-producing bacteria in addition to leaving an unpleasant smell. Smokers have a higher chance of developing gum disease, which can cause various health issues in addition to poor breath.

  • Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol use also reduces salivary flow, which results in less natural cleaning and an increase in bacteria.

  • Certain Medical Conditions

Diabetes, heartburn, sinusitis, tonsillitis, liver or renal illness, Sjogren’s syndrome, and infections of the nose, throat, or lungs are among the medical conditions that may cause bad breath. 

Treatment For Bad Breath

The majority of bad breath is caused by dental health issues, which can be resolved with improved oral hygiene practices. Since the accumulation of a bacterial film, or plaque, on your teeth may be the cause of foul breath, the first course of treatment will probably involve brushing and flossing more frequently as well as using toothpaste and an antibacterial mouth rinse to destroy the germs. Additionally, repairing damaged tooth restorations and filling cavities could be advised by a dentist as these actions serve as havens for germs that cause odours. The course of treatment for bad breath that isn’t brought on by dental problems or poor oral hygiene will depend on the underlying medical condition. Your general practitioner will decide on the best course of action for treating the particular cause of bad breath that is unrelated to oral health issues.

How To Prevent Bad Breath

Maintaining good oral hygiene is the best defence against bad breath. Here are a few broad recommendations:

  • Dentists advise brushing your teeth twice a day, once in the morning right after getting out of bed and once at night right after supper.
  • Make sure to floss once a day or more. Food particles that become stuck in between teeth are removed by flossing.
  • Brush your tongue. Bacteria are present on the tongue, particularly in the area closest to the throat. In addition to cleaning the tongue, brushing the tongue stops bad breath. At least once a day, clean your tongue with a tongue scraper or the tongue cleaner attached to the back of your brush.
  • Rinse with mouthwash. Seek for an effective over-the-counter mouthwash such as one containing mint to combat and conceal bad breath.
  • Clean your dental fittings. Ask your dentist for a cleaning solution to use on a daily basis to clean dental restorations such as dentures.
  • Take measures to avoid dry mouth. Eat lots of juicy fruits and drink lots of water and other liquids.
  • After eating certain foods, especially garlic and onions, you should rinse your mouth out or avoid consuming them if you want to avoid having bad breath.
  • Chew sugar-free gum and avoid sugar-filled candies. Bad breath has also been related to consuming a lot of sugar-filled foods. Chew on sugar-free candies or chewing gum instead of the sugar-filled ones. As a result, you will be less likely to have a dry tongue and produce more saliva.
  • Replace your toothbrush on a regular basis. You should swap out your old brush every three to four months or when the bristles start to fray.
  • Consult a dentist from one of the best dental clinic in Kochi at least twice annually to have your dentures or other dental fittings inspected and cleaned if you have bad breath.

Conclusion

While improved dental hygiene can usually treat bad breath, there are situations when a medical issue is the root cause. Speak with your dentist or healthcare provider about potential treatments if you experience persistent bad breath.

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