When you speak to individuals, do they turn away from you? Does it appear as if you are always being offered mints? The accumulation of food particles in the mouth, and the bacteria that results from this, can create bad breath (halitosis).
1. The first defense against bad breath is to see your dentist for cleanings and checkups every six months, to ensure that you will not have any plaque buildup or other bad breath producing issues.
2. The next step is to limit your intake of certain foods, such as the dense proteins present in dairy and meat products, alcohol, garlic, onions, sugars, and both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee. These are among the foods that can cause bad breath.
3. The third step is to attempt to breathe through your nose. A dry mouth promotes the growth of odor-causing bacteria, and breathing through your mouth can cause you to have a dry mouth.
4. The fourth step is to track the medications that you take and the foods that you eat, by keeping a log. In this way you can determine what may be causing your bad breath. Take this log with you when you visit your dentist.
5. The fifth step is to be sure your mouth is free of plaque and food particles by brushing your teeth and tongue twice daily, and flossing between your teeth once daily, after your last meal of the day is recommended.
6. The sixth step is to rinse your mouth regularly with a antiseptic fluoride mouth rinse that has a nice mint flavor. You can help to mask odor issues with the flavor, while protecting your teeth.
7. The seventh step is to treat the bad breath problem internally through over the counter pills designed to prevent bad breath after meals, or simply chew on some parsley after you eat if you prefer the natural approach.
Additional advice about removing bad breath:
- If you will be eating garlic or onions, be sure to have some mints or gum with you , or optimally, a toothbrush and toothpaste.
- If you have tried all of these tips and you are still experiencing bad breath, you should consult your dentist. There are certain health problems that have bad breath as a symptom.
- Removable denture wearers should take them out at the end of the day, and ensure proper cleaning before wearing them the next day.
- It is common for tobacco users to experience mouth related issues including bad breath.
It is suggested that you visit your doctor when there is a health condition involved and your symptoms continue. This advice should not be used as a substitute for advice or treatment from a medical professional.
