Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is rather common and can usually be treated at home.
How to Treat Bad Breath Yourself
To prevent bad breath, keeping good dental hygiene is vital.
– Brush your teeth and gums for at least two minutes, twice a day.
– Use a fluoride toothpaste.
– Use a tongue scraper or cleanser to clean your tongue once a day.
– Floss or use interdental brushes once a day.
– Schedule regular dental examinations.
– Keep dentures clean and remove them every night.
– Chew sugar-free mints or gum after eating or drinking something with a strong odour.
– Consider using antimicrobial toothpaste or mouthwash.
– Avoid smoking. – Do not rinse your mouth immediately after brushing.
– Limit your intake of sugary foods and beverages.
– Do not brush so hard to the point of causing gum or tongue bleeding.
Causes of Bad Breath
Bad breath can be caused by numerous circumstances, including:
– Intake of strong-smelling or spicy foods.
– Dental problems such as gum disease, cavities, and infections.
– Crash diets.
– Some medical disorders, including dry mouth, tonsillitis, and acid reflux.
– The act of smoking.
When to See a Dentist?
Consult a dentist if you have persistent bad breath after trying self-treatment for a few weeks.
– Gums that are painful, swollen, or bleeding.
– Toothaches or loose adult teeth.
Problems with your dentures.
