Having bad breath can be deeply uncomfortable. Sometimes you notice it right in the middle of an important meeting and you feel embarrassed. You refuse to go near your significant other because you are afraid of making them sick. You even avoid breathing on the flowers for fear that they will wilt! Do these situations sound familiar to you? Don't worry - you can try several tricks to ease the disturbance. However, if bad breath is a recurring problem, try to remember how long it has been since your last visit to the dentist. Bad breath, in fact, can be caused by gingivitis, periodontitis or other dental disorders.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Fighting Lithosis with Oral Hygiene Products
Step 1. Use a portable toothbrush
Anyone who suffers from bad breath or feels uncomfortable for this reason should always have a toothbrush and a tube of toothpaste on hand. If you don't have toothpaste available, remember that brushing your teeth with just tap water can help reduce the odor emitted by bacteria that build up in your mouth after meals. Travel toothbrushes are available at the supermarket or pharmacy at a low price.
Step 2. Use dental floss
In addition to the toothbrush (or as a replacement for it), you can go to the bathroom and floss. This product, often flavored with mint, helps freshen the breath.
Dentists recommend flossing after each meal to make sure food particles don't get stuck in your teeth. If all of this is too demanding for you, use it at least once a day (preferably before bedtime) to combat bad breath
Step 3. Use Listerine or another antibacterial mouthwash
This product is also available in travel size, so it can be easily kept in your pocket or backpack. Gargle for 20 seconds and spit. The mouthwash helps eliminate the bacteria that cause bad breath and gives a pleasant feeling of freshness. Make sure you choose one that has targeted properties to combat gingivitis and / or plaque.
Listerine also makes a mouthwash in strips, which dissolves on the tongue. Its function is to instantly relieve bad breath, but it can be quite strong. If you want to try it, you can find it on Amazon
Method 2 of 5: Chewable Products to Improve Breath
Step 1. Chew sugar-free gum, which stimulates saliva production and prevents dry mouth
Xerostomia (dry mouth) often causes bad breath, as the bacteria responsible for the odor remain in the oral cavity. Sugar-free gum also allows you to remove food particles stuck between your teeth. However, they are not a valid substitute for proper oral hygiene. Don't stop brushing your teeth and flossing.
You can also try gum made from plant extracts, such as peppermint or other herbs. In addition to eliminating food residues between the teeth, they mask bad breath
Step 2. Chew herbs such as mint, parsley, basil, or Canada tea
Actually, they don't clean your teeth, but the strong aroma that sets them apart can alleviate bad breath. They are momentary in effect, so they are not a long-term solution. Remember that they can leave residue in your mouth, so another problem will arise after you have corrected bad breath: chunks of parsley or basil stuck between your teeth.
Step 3. Chew nuts and seeds
Nuts give off a rather intense aroma and thanks to their abrasive consistency they can remove food particles left between teeth, tongue or gums. Dill and fennel seeds perfectly mask bad smells. On the other hand, anise is a seed with a taste similar to licorice that has antiseptic properties.
Method 3 of 5: Fighting Halitosis with Water
Step 1. Drink lemon or lime flavored water
In addition to being a tasty and healthy alternative to sodas, this tart drink can work wonders for bad breath. Since dry mouth (typical in the morning) is a major cause of bad breath, water will help moisten your mouth, so it will substantially reduce it.
Squeeze a lemon or lime into the water - you'll see that it will help mask the bad smell. The acidity of citrus fruits will fight the bacteria in the oral cavity responsible for bad breath
Step 2. Use a portable oral hygiene flosser
This device is often used in place of dental floss. Eliminates food particles left between the teeth thanks to the pressurized water jet. You can also use it to wash your tongue. Just fill the device with water and start spraying. If you have mouthwash, you can pour it into the special compartment: the fight against halitosis will be even more effective.
Step 3. Wash your mouth with plain water
Next, scrub each individual tooth with a dry napkin or the inside of the shirt you are wearing. The surface of the teeth will become very smooth, as if you had used a toothbrush. Rinse your mouth again. If you have textured napkins, you can rub one from the inside to the outside of your tongue to partially remove the plaque.
Method 4 of 5: Test to Identify Halitosis
Step 1. Ask someone
Many put their hand in the bowl and breathe inside to see if they have bad breath. However, this method is not effective because the smell of the breath is often confused with that of the hands. Since the nasal passages are connected to the mouth, this is not a very indicative technique. The best way to tell if you have bad breath right away? Ask a person you are familiar with and who will not think badly of you, such as a family member or friend. He has to do it quickly, without attracting attention. Just exhale slightly to allow him to get an idea.
Step 2. Lick the inside of the wrist
Do it in a secluded place. This part of the body doesn't rub against the things around you, so it lets you know right away if you have bad breath. Wait for the saliva to dry and smell your pulse. It is one of the most accurate ways to check if you have bad breath.
Step 3. Try the spoon test
Take a spoon, turn it upside down and place it on the back of your tongue. Slowly but precisely, drag it towards the front of your mouth. Examine the residue on the spoon. If they're clear, you probably don't have bad breath. If you have bad breath, they will be milky white or yellowish. This patina is formed by bacteria that have accumulated on the tongue, responsible for bad breath.
- When brushing your teeth, remember to clean the back of your tongue. This is where the bacteria responsible for bad breath accumulate.
- Similarly, you can do this test with gauze (available from pharmacies), although a spoon is generally more accessible in everyday life.
Step 4. Take the halimeter test, which measures the level of sulfur compounds in your breath
VSCs, or volatile sulfur compounds, are usually found in the oral cavity, but a high level can indicate halitosis. These substances give off an odor that resembles that of eggs - you certainly don't want to have it at an important meeting. Generally the test is performed by the dentist, but you can also buy a halimeter to always have it available. However, bear in mind that it is very expensive.
Step 5. Ask your dentist if the gas chromatography test is possible
The procedure measures the levels of sulfur and other chemical compounds in the oral cavity. It is the most effective exam and its results are considered a real point of reference.
Method 5 of 5: Knowing When to Go to the Dentist
Step 1. If you suffer from chronic bad breath, go to the dentist
A visit becomes necessary when all the attempts made have been in vain. Bad breath is one of the most obvious symptoms of problems like gum disease and plaque buildup. The dentist will be able to point out the mistakes you tend to make in terms of oral hygiene and will propose targeted solutions to have healthy teeth.
Step 2. If you have noticed white spots on your tonsils, go to the dentist
Perhaps you have tried to observe the oral cavity to understand what could be the cause of halitosis. If you've noticed white flecks on one side of the uvula (the conical structure that hangs at the end of the soft palate), you should see a specialist. These are tonsil stones, formed from deposits of food, mucus and calcified agglutinated bacteria. Although they are not uncommon, they need to be removed with care.
During a study conducted by a group of French researchers, it was observed that about 6% of the participants had calcified tonsillar deposits
Step 3. If you have chronic xerostomia (dry mouth) and often have bad breath, go to the dentist
Bad breath that occurs when the mouth is dry can have several causes. Dehydration is the main one, but certain medicines, diseases or systemic disorders can also be responsible. A stuffy nose, diabetes, side effects triggered by antidepressants, antihistamines, diuretics, or radiation therapy, and Sjögren's syndrome can dry out your mouth. Your dentist will tell you which specialists to go to for specific tests, and they can certainly help you identify potential triggers.
Advice
- Stop smoking. Smoking (and tobacco consumption in general) is one of the main causes of bad breath.
- Try to avoid onions, garlic, and other foods that can make your breath heavy. They have a strong, unpleasant smell that can stay in the mouth for a long time.
