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Here's how to reduce and prevent bad breath
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Some people worry too much about their breath even though they have little or no mouth odor, while others have bad breath and don't know it. (Shutterstock/*)
Whether you call it bad breath or halitosis, it’s an unpleasant condition that’s cause for embarrassment.
If you’re concerned about bad breath, see a dentist. Bad breath can be caused by a number of things, and a dentist can help identify the cause and determine the best treatment.
What are the signs and symptoms of bad breath?
Bad breath odors vary, depending on the source or the underlying cause. Some people worry too much about their breath even though they have little or no mouth odor, while others have bad breath and don't know it. Because it's difficult to assess how your own breath smells, ask a close friend or relative to confirm your bad-breath questions.
What should I do?
Many cases of bad breath can be treated at home. Home treatment consists of:
- Practicing good hygiene by brushing your teeth and cleaning your tongue at least twice a day and flossing your teeth at least once a day.
- Avoiding tobacco products.
- Avoiding foods that have pungent odors, such as garlic and onions.
- Not drinking alcohol.
- Eat parsley and mint to temporarily mask bad breath.
If you have bad breath, review your oral hygiene habits. Try making lifestyle changes, such as brushing your teeth and tongue after eating, using dental floss and drinking plenty of water.
If your bad breath persists after making such changes, see a dentist. If a dentist suspects a more serious condition is causing bad breath, he or she may refer you to a physician to find the cause of the odor.
(Read also: Medical benefits of dental floss unproven)
How can I prevent bad breath?
To reduce or prevent bad breath:
- Brush your teeth after you eat. Keep a toothbrush at work to use after eating. Brush using a fluoride-containing toothpaste at least twice a day, especially after meals. Toothpaste with antibacterial properties has been shown to reduce bad breath.
- Floss at least once a day. Proper flossing removes food particles and plaque from between teeth, helping to control bad breath.
- Brush your tongue. The tongue harbors bacteria, so carefully brushing it may help reduce odors. People who have a coated tongue from a significant overgrowth of bacteria (from smoking or dry mouth, for example) may benefit from using a tongue scraper. Or use a toothbrush that has a built-in tongue cleaner.
- Clean your dentures or dental appliances. If you wear a bridge or a partial or complete denture, clean it thoroughly at least once a day or as directed by your dentist. If you have a dental retainer or mouth guard, clean it each time before you put it in your mouth. Your dentist can recommend the best cleaning product.
- Avoid dry mouth. To keep your mouth moist, avoid tobacco and drink plenty of water — not coffee, soft drinks or alcohol, which can lead to a drier mouth. Chew gum or suck on candy — preferably sugarless — to stimulate saliva. If you have chronic dry mouth, your dentist or physician may prescribe an artificial saliva preparation or an oral medication that stimulates the flow of saliva.
- Adjust your diet. Avoid food and beverages that can cause bad breath. Avoid sticky, sugary foods.
- Regularly get a new toothbrush. Change your toothbrush when it becomes frayed, every three to four months, and choose a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Schedule regular dental checkups. See your dentist on a regular basis — generally once or twice a year — to have your teeth or dentures examined and cleaned. (kes)
