Understanding Halitosis And How You Deal With It
Halitosis, or bad breath, happens to everyone. Some people have more than just bad morning breath though. Halitosis can become an embarrassing, chronic problem that never seems to go away. While there are some medical reasons that can lead to bad breath, sometimes unhealthy habits and the types of food you eat can be the problem.
What Causes Halitosis, Anyway?
Poor brushing habits are a common cause of halitosis. Any food particles that get stuck in the mouth will promote bacterial growth. These bacteria causes bad breath. Proper and frequent brushing and flossing can help eliminate halitosis caused by these bacteria.
It Could Be Your Diet
The foods you eat can cause bad breath. Foods with strong odors, such as onions or garlic, will not only cause odors in your mouth, but throughout your whole body. The food starts to break down in your mouth. Brushing your teeth and using mouthwash is a great way to cover up the odor.
As odorous food then moves into your stomach and intestines to be digested it is absorbed in the bloodstream, which carries it to your lungs where it is expelled through your breath. Some people even report the smell coming out of the pores in their skin. There is nothing you can do about those odors except to avoid those foods. The odor will not go away until your body is done digesting the food.
It Could Be a Medical Cause
There are many medical causes of halitosis – gum disease, oral yeast infection, xerostomia (dry mouth), respiratory tract infections, sinus infections, lactose intolerance, ulcers, diabetes, acid reflux and kidney problems. Some of these medical conditions are simple to fix, such as antibiotics or mouthwashes for dry mouth, while others may require medical intervention to fix. While it is a good idea to see a dentist first, you may need a doctor to get rid of the medical problem while your dentist helps with the dry mouth.
How Can You Fight Bad Breath?
Fortunately, you do not have to live with putrid breath that makes people run away. There are many ways to battle halitosis:
Choose Your Food Carefully: Avoid foods that can give off strong, offensive odors.
Proper Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss after every meal or at least twice a day.
Don't Forget Your Dentist: See your dentist every six months for regular cleanings.
Rinse Your Mouth: Swish cool water around your mouth throughout the day to help sweep away debris that could lead to bad breath.
Replace That Toothbrush: Every two to three months, you should replace your toothbrush. Wear and tear on a toothbrush can keep the bristles from effectively cleaning between teeth and along the gum line.
Buy a Tongue Scraper: Use a tongue scraper to scrape off bacteria and dead cells that can cause odor on the tongue.
Chew Some Gum: Chewing gum can sweep away debris and freshen the breath. There are many natural things to chew on that can be bad breath fighters as well – lemon or orange rind, parsley, mint, basil, cilantro, cloves, fennel seeds, and aniseeds.
Remembering bad breath is experienced by everyone can help alleviate the embarrassment it causes, but knowing how to fight it off can help too. For more tips, contact a dentist or check out websites like http://www.claremontdentalinstitute.com.