Are you self conscious of your stinky breath? We’re here to help with these expert tips on how to get rid of bad breath.
Throughout the world, 25 percent of people struggle with bad breath (also known as halitosis).
Are you one of these people? Are you always popping mints or chomping gum to keep your breath minty fresh?
The good news is that you don’t have to suffer forever. Read on to learn how to get rid of bad breath for good.
Why Do I Have Bad Breath?
If you’re tired of feeling panicked whenever you don’t have a box of mints in your pocket, you need to understand the causes of bad breath. Once you know the potential source (or sources) of your bad breath, you can start to address it.
The following are some of the most common causes to keep in mind:
Diet
Certain foods are more likely to cause bad breath than others. For example, onions and garlic (especially when they’re eaten raw) are going to make your breath a little funky.
You may have noticed that odors from certain foods linger even after you’ve popped in a mint or rinsed with mouthwash. Until they’ve fully passed through your system, the smell will stick around.
Poor Dental Hygiene
Often, the root cause of bad breath is a lack of good dental hygiene.
If you don’t brush and floss your teeth each day, for example, you’ll experience a buildup of plaque and bacteria in your mouth. This, in turn, makes your breath worse. It can also increase your risk of tooth decay, which will further worsen your breath, especially if you go on to develop an infection or abscess.
Health Problems
Finally, certain health problems may make you more prone to bad breath.
For example, if you have a chronically dry mouth (a condition known as xerostomia), you’ll be more likely to deal with bad breath since you don’t have enough saliva to neutralize acids and wash away dead cells. When this happens, the cells decompose and cause bad breath.
Some chronic illnesses can cause bad breath, too. The list includes chronic sinus infections, diabetes, chronic acid reflux, and liver or kidney disease.
How to Get Rid of Bad Breath
Getting to the root of your bad breath will help you to freshen it up and keep it fresh long-term. Here are some tips that you can implement today to make this happen:
Brush and Floss
This is the first place to start when it comes to tackling bad breath. If you’re not brushing and flossing regularly, it’ll be a lot harder for you to get rid of odor-causing bacteria.
Make sure you brush your teeth twice per day, in the morning and at night. Brush for two full minutes, and use a toothbrush and toothpaste that have been approved by the American Dental Association.
Floss at least once per day, too. Floss between all of your teeth, especially the hard-to-reach back teeth. If you don’t floss regularly, you might notice some discomfort or even bleed at first. If you stick with it, though, it’ll get easier and more comfortable.
Scrape Your Tongue
In addition to brushing and flossing, it helps to scrape your tongue as well. Scraping your tongue helps you to get rid of bacteria that builds up throughout the day or night.
You can scrape your tongue with a metal scraper or your toothbrush.
Whichever tool you use, start from the back of your tongue (as far back as you can reach without choking). Then, press down gently and pull forward, then spit what you scrape off into the sink. Rinse your mouth and the tongue scraper thoroughly when you’re finished.
Avoid Smoking
If you smoke and struggle with bad breath, there’s a good chance smoking is part of the problem. When you smoke, you’re more likely to deal with a dry mouth and decreased saliva production. As you now know, this can cause increased bacteria growth and cell death, both of which will make your breath worse.
Stay Hydrated
When you’re dehydrated, you’re also more likely to have a dry mouth and bad breath. Aim to drink at least 8 cups of water per day. You may find that you need more, though, especially if you’re active or live in a hot climate and sweat a lot.
Focus on Fruits and Vegetables
Remember how your diet can have a negative influence on your breath?
If you love onions or garlic, you don’t have to avoid them altogether. However, by eating them in addition to other foods, you can get rid of bacteria in your mouth and give your breath a nice refresher.
The following are some of the best foods to include:
- Apples
- Carrots
- Celery
- Parsley
- Yogurt
- Oranges
- Pineapple
- Fennel
Beverages like milk and green tea can be helpful breath fresheners, too.
Go to the Dentist
Good dental hygiene is a start, but going to the dentist every six months is also important if you want to stop your bad breath at the source.
Your dentist can perform a thorough cleaning and let you know if there are any more serious issues, such as gum disease or periodontitis, that are causing bad breath. They can also help you learn more about reversing periodontitis and preventing these conditions from getting worse.
Talk to Your Doctor
If you’ve done everything listed above and your bad breath still hasn’t gotten better, it may be time to talk to your doctor.
They can run some tests to determine whether or not you have any medical conditions that are causing the problem, such as diabetes or kidney disease. If they do find any serious health issues, they can also prescribe medications and put together a treatment plan that will improve your overall health and get rid of your bad breath.
Freshen Up Bad Breath Today
Now that you know how to get rid of bad breath, it’s time to get to work. Follow the steps listed above so you can freshen up your breath and feel more confident in no time!
Do you need more advice on taking care of your dental health? If so, head to the Health section of our site today for extra tips and tricks.
