Bad breath is a problem that affects most people occasionally, perhaps due to illness or after a meal. In the United States alone, more than 40 million people suffer from some more serious problems, such as chronic halitosis (persistent bad breath), which can cause loss of self-confidence and fear of socializing. Fortunately, it's pretty easy to keep your breath fresh by keeping your mouth clean, eating right, and using refreshments when needed.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Keep the oral cavity clean
Step 1. Brush your teeth and tongue at least twice a day
In this way, you remove the bacteria responsible for the bad smell and also prevent possible tooth decay that can lead to this unpleasant ailment. Don't forget the tongue, especially the back portion; one study found that brushing reduces halitosis by 70%.
Step 2. Rinse your mouth with water after eating
Stirring the water in your mouth helps eliminate food residues that can cause bad breath.
Step 3. Floss at least once a day
This procedure also helps to eliminate bits of food where the toothbrush does not reach, also removing plaque, which is the bacterial film that forms around the teeth. Dental floss helps prevent periodontal (gum) disease, which are other factors responsible for your unpleasant problem.
Step 4. Use a mouthwash at least once a day
Helps protect teeth and kill bacteria that cause bad breath; rinse for 30-60 seconds and have them followed by gargles of equal duration. Gargling is important because it allows the solution to reach the back of the throat and the inside of the cheeks, areas that toothpaste or floss cannot easily reach.
- Fluoride-based mouthwashes kill bacteria and prevent tooth decay.
- Gargling with hydrogen peroxide kills the bacteria in the mouth responsible for the problem.
- Do not use solutions that contain alcohol, as they dry out the mouth and can aggravate the situation.
Step 5. Go to the dentist every six months
The doctor can perform a deep cleaning of the oral cavity in this way avoiding the development of plaque, as well as checking for any cavities or gum disease potentially responsible for bad breath. If your problem appears to originate from some disease, such as sinusitis, lung infection, bronchitis, metabolic dysfunction, diabetes, or kidney or liver disease, your dentist may also advise you to see your primary care physician.
Method 2 of 4: Maintain Fresh Breath Through Nutrition
Step 1. Drink lots of water
Dehydration tends to dry out the oral mucous membranes and cause halitosis; the water also dilutes the chemicals in the mouth or intestines that are responsible for the disorder.
Step 2. Eat yogurt
Some studies have found that eating 170 g of yogurt a day reduces the amount of substances in the mouth that cause bad odor; in particular, look for those that contain the active bacteria Streptococcus thermophilus or Lactobacillus bulgaricus.
Step 3. Eat fruits and vegetables
The light abrasive action of particularly fibrous fruits and vegetables helps keep teeth clean, while the vitamins, antioxidants and acids they contain improve oral health. Here are the particularly useful foods:
- Apples: contain vitamin C, essential for gum health; furthermore, malic acid promotes the whiteness of the teeth;
- Carrots: they are rich in vitamin A, which strengthens tooth enamel;
- Celery: chewing it produces a lot of saliva, which helps neutralize the bacteria responsible for bad breath;
- Pineapple: contains bromelain, an enzyme that cleanses the oral cavity.
Step 4. Drink black, green, or other herbal teas
These types of infusions have been shown to kill bacteria that cause bad breath and plaque.
Step 5. Avoid the causes of stomach pain
It may cause you to belch with noticeable effects on the quality of your breath. Don't eat foods that can promote this disorder, or if you can't help it, take an antacid. If you are lactose intolerant, take lactase tablets.
Step 6. Exclude dishes that contain large amounts of onion, garlic or spices from your diet
They can cause bad breath; if you have to eat them, chew sugar-free gum later or use a toothbrush and toothpaste at the end of the meal to freshen your mouth.
Step 7. Watch out for low carb diets
They can cause ketosis, a situation where the body primarily burns fat instead of carbohydrates for energy. While it can be good for your waistline, this type of diet does produce chemicals called ketones that make your breath worse. If you want to stop the problem, you need to change your diet or intervene with one of the following methods:
- Drink plenty of water to dilute the ketones;
- Chew a sugar-free gum or suck on a peppermint candy (always sugar-free);
- Chew on some mint leaves.
Method 3 of 4: Stop Other Causes of Bad Breath
Step 1. Check if you have sinusitis
Sinus infections or postnasal drip (mucus that passes from the sinuses and reaches the back of the throat) are responsible for 10% of cases of this disorder; however, there are several ways to get rid of it:
- Go to the doctor; can prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection;
- Take over-the-counter medications to dry sinus cavities and avoid mucus buildup.
- Use a saline spray to thin the mucus and promote its expulsion;
- Try an irrigator to rinse your sinuses.
Step 2. Be aware that some medications can cause this problem
Certain medicines can dry out the mouth and lead to bad breath, while others contain certain chemicals that directly cause it. In particular, you must pay attention to:
- Betel nut;
- Chloral hydrate;
- Nitrites and nitrates;
- Dimethyl sulfoxide;
- Disulfiram;
- Some chemotherapy drugs;
- Phenothiazines;
- Amphetamines.
Step 3. Stop smoking if you want to fix the problem
The smoke leaves a bad smell in the mouth, similar to that of ash. The only definitive remedy is to stop completely, but you can eventually eat mints or take other refreshing products to reduce bad breath.
Method 4 of 4: Use Refreshing Breath Products
Step 1. Chew sugar-free gum
Look for ones that contain xylitol, as bacteria in your mouth bind to this artificial sugar rather than your teeth. Chewing also promotes salivation, which prevents the mouth from drying out, as well as removing bacteria and food particles. Make sure these are sugar-free products.
Step 2. Try peppermint candies, balsamic candies, or sprays
Whichever solution you choose, make sure it's sugar-free; opt for products with xylitol, a sugar substitute. If you decide to use a spray, check that it does not contain alcohol, as it can dry out your mouth and thus promote bad breath. However, remember that these products only cover up the odor, but do not cure the underlying cause; If you find that you are constantly using breath fresheners, seriously consider seeing a dentist.
Step 3. Chew herbs
Mint leaves are particularly valuable for this purpose; they contain essential oils that have been shown to be effective against bad breath. Alternatively, you can try sage, which has antimicrobial properties useful against this ailment, or eucalyptus. Dill and parsley are both rich in chlorophyll (which freshens the breath) and also have the added benefit of being used as flavorings in cooking.
Step 4. Chew seeds or pods
Coriander, cardamom, and anise are great for getting fresh breath, but you don't have to chew them too much. Anise in particular has a strong aroma, which can become unpleasant if you eat it too often; if you chew cardamom pods, do not ingest them.
Step 5. Use an alcoholic drink
Alcohol kills the bacteria responsible for bad breath, so alcohol can be a great choice for positive results, especially if they taste good. The higher the alcohol concentration, the greater the effectiveness; however, avoid sugary liqueurs, which could leave a residue in the mouth and thus increase the bacterial colony.
Step 6. Do some baking soda rinses
This substance is able to refresh the oral cavity in a natural way; add a teaspoon to 250ml of water and rinse your entire mouth.
