Bad breath, often known as halitosis, may be unpleasant and, in some situations, anxiety-inducing. It’s no surprise that store shelves are brimming with gum, mints, mouthwashes, and other goods aimed at combating foul breath. However, many of these items are merely band-aid solutions since they do not address the root source of the problem.
What is Bad Breath?
You might believe that consuming foods like garlic and onions causes unpleasant breath, or halitosis. You might be shocked to find that bacteria in the mouth, particularly on the tongue, is one of the primary causes of poor breath. Sulfur byproducts released as waste by oral bacteria are referred to as volatile sulfur compounds by dentists, and their presence in your mouth produces foul breath. Aside from eating, poor oral hygiene, cigarette use, and certain medical problems can all contribute to bad breath.
Causes
Food – Food that accumulates on and between the teeth might harbor germs that cause smells.
Poor Dental Hygiene – Every day, remove plaque, which includes germs, from your teeth, gums, and tongue. Bad breath can also be caused by cavities and gingivitis.
Nicotine Use – Smoking can produce chronic unpleasant breath due to tar and nicotine buildup, as well as decreased saliva flow.
Respiratory tract infections, chronic sinusitis, postnasal drip, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal abnormalities, and liver and kidney disease can all contribute to poor breath.
How or When to Prevent Bad Breath?
Brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day to eliminate odor-causing germs from your teeth, gums, and tongue.
To help destroy odor-causing bacteria, use antimicrobial toothpaste and mouthwash. Maintaining fresh breath requires a clean, plaque-free mouth.
Try these tips to keep your breath fresh between brushings:
- After eating, rinse your mouth with mouthwash.
- Chewing sugar-free gum to increase saliva flow
- Snacking on celery, carrots, and apples, which can aid in the removal of debris
- Consume a well-balanced diet; vitamin deficits can lead to foul breath.
- Brushing your teeth
If your foul breath persists, consult your dentist to rule out any persistent medical concerns. Using mouthwash, toothpaste, and dental floss daily may typically eliminate foul breath.
If you still find yourself with no luck after adopting all these strategies, it is advised to visit a dentist nearby to get some professional advice. You can find dentists in Sri Lanka by visiting either a dental hospital in Colombo or a dental clinic in Sri Lanka.