Bad breath, also known as "halitosis", can be a rather embarrassing and difficult problem to treat. Fortunately, it is not so difficult to eliminate it. By following a few simple oral hygiene measures and making some lifestyle changes, you can get rid of bad breath forever.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Eliminate Bad Breath
Step 1. Brush your teeth for 2 minutes twice a day
It is the golden rule for fighting bad breath. Bring a toothbrush and a tube of fluoride toothpaste to wash them every morning and evening. Since most people don't brush their teeth long enough, set a timer for two minutes or listen to a short piece of music to time your dental cleaning. If bad breath is a serious problem, wash them after each meal.
- Do not "rub" your teeth excessively: hold the toothbrush as if it were a pencil and use it by making light circular movements.
- Tilt the toothbrush 45 degrees, right along the edge of the gum line.
- Make sure you brush your tongue and roof of the mouth as well.
- Replace your toothbrush every 2-3 months.
Step 2. Floss once a day
It is the most effective tool for removing food and plaque between the teeth, where it could irritate the gums and lead to the development of bacteria that cause bad odor. Try to pass it in every gap.
- The floss should form a "C" around the tooth.
- Use it only up to the gum line. If your gums start to bleed, rinse your mouth and resume using it gently.
Step 3. Use antibacterial mouthwash to clean your entire mouth
Use it a couple of times a week after brushing your teeth and flossing. Do not use those that contain alcohol, as they dry out the mouth and, over time, worsen the problem of bad breath.
Mouthwash typically covers bad breath instead of healing it, so be sure to brush and floss frequently
Step 4. Stay hydrated
Dehydration is a major cause of bad breath, but it is easily treatable. Aim to drink 4-5 glasses of water a day to keep your mouth healthy and clean.
Step 5. Chew sugar-free gum
It favors the formation of saliva inside the mouth, helping to keep it moist and to rebalance the bacterial presence. However, if the gum contains sugar, it will make the problem worse as it feeds the bacteria and aggravates bad breath.
Chewing sugar-free gum right after meals can help keep your mouth healthy
Step 6. Chew a piece of fresh parsley to temporarily eliminate this problem
Green leafy herbs, such as parsley, contain chlorophyll, a substance that is known to naturally deodorize the mouth. Chew a few sprigs to freshen your breath quickly.
Fresh basil, cardamom, rosemary, and green tea also have similar flavoring properties
Step 7. Add more zinc to your diet
Zinc, which is also present in some mouthwashes, helps fight and prevent bad breath. You can find it in pumpkin seeds and other cucurbits (such as zucchini), in cocoa and in animal organs, such as the liver. It is also an essential compound found in most multivitamins and is sold in pharmacies as a supplement.
Step 8. Go to the dentist every 6-8 months for teeth cleaning
Ablation of tartar removes plaque and unearths any problems before they get worse. Don't forget to make an appointment with your dentist and ask any questions you may have about bad breath.
Part 2 of 3: Avoiding Bad Breath
Step 1. Take probiotics once a day
An imbalance of the intestinal flora can cause foul-smelling fumes that come out of the mouth. Probiotics, sold in most pharmacies, help restore the balance of bacteria present in the intestine, improving digestion and, consequently, the breath.
Step 2. Avoid spicy foods, garlic and onions
They are responsible for bad breath, no matter how many times you brush your teeth. In fact, when they are digested, the chemicals that produce bad odors enter the bloodstream and are then expelled from the lungs through breathing.
If you can't avoid eating these foods, bring a packet of sugar-free gum or a small package of travel mouthwash with you and use after meals
Step 3. Stop using tobacco products
In many cases, bad breath is caused by cigarettes or the tobacco you chew. These products not only stain the teeth and damage the gums, but also promote the development of bacteria and bad breath.
Step 4. Reduce your alcohol consumption
Beer, wine, and spirits can make your breath smelly even after 8-10 hours of taking. Alcoholic beverages dry out the mouth and the sugar contained in them feeds the bacteria responsible for the bad smell.
Step 5. Rinse your mouth after each meal
This is especially useful if you don't have the option to brush your teeth right away. After you've eaten, take a few sips of fresh water, then spit it into the sink to remove any food residue that may be making your breath heavy.
Step 6. Eat a healthy and complete diet
Try to stick to a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and grains. Remember that foods and drinks that contain a lot of sugar, such as sodas and candy, greatly aggravate this problem.
- Low-carbohydrate diets (that is, a low consumption of bread, pasta, cereals, etc.) worsen the situation, as they induce the body to produce "ketones", foul-smelling chemicals.
- Even fasting and the most restrictive diets can promote halitosis, which may not disappear even if you brush your teeth.
Part 3 of 3: Diagnosing Chronic Bad Breath
Step 1. Check for gum disease
Periodontitis, also called periodontitis and periodontal disease, occurs when the gums retract from the teeth and create pockets of bacteria. If not treated promptly, this inflammation can not only weigh down the breath and make the problem unmanageable, but it can even damage the teeth. Symptoms include:
- Inflammation or sensitivity in the gums
- Tooth loss
- Bleeding or pain while brushing your teeth.
Step 2. See your dentist immediately in case of broken fillings and tooth decay
Bad breath could be caused by the pain points of an infection. If a tooth always hurts or suddenly becomes sensitive to changes in temperature, you should make a dentist's appointment as soon as possible.
Step 3. Recognize stomach problems that cause bad breath
Some conditions, such as gastroesophageal reflux, can produce fumes and lead to the formation of foul-smelling chemicals that come out of the mouth. See your doctor if you have a chronic stomach problem, digestive difficulties, and bad breath that persists even after brushing your teeth and using mouthwash.
If this problem occurs suddenly, it could indicate the presence of a more serious condition. See your doctor as soon as you can
Step 4. Check the side effects of the medications you are taking
Unfortunately, certain medications can make your breath heavy. Usually, side effects, such as "dry mouth", indicate a bacterial imbalance within the oral cavity, which in turn results in heavy breath. If the problem worsens, see your doctor for alternatives to the medications you are taking.
Medicines for depression, anxiety, allergies, acne and obesity can usually promote bad breath
Step 5. Be aware that some chronic conditions cause bad breath
Diabetes, chronic bronchitis, liver disease and respiratory tract infections contribute to this problem, which therefore needs to be carefully managed. Make sure you brush and floss; Also keep a packet of sugar-free gum on hand to possibly mask bad breath when you can't brush your teeth.
Advice
- By changing your toothbrush regularly, you will ensure that you have proper oral hygiene.
- By brushing your teeth after each meal, you will inhibit the development of bad breath.
Warnings
- See your dentist or doctor if your bad breath lasts longer than a week and doesn't go away by brushing or flossing.
- Avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol.
