Bad breath, halitosis, whatever you call it, it's something almost all of us suffer from at some point in our lives. So what causes this timeless turnoff and what can be done about it?This can be one of the most obvious causes of bad breath. To get gums back into shape, brush thoroughly and often with a soft-bristle brush, and get into the habit of regular flossing. Your dentist can advise you of the appropriate treatment for all dental problems.
Dirty Teeth
"There are more animals living in the scum on a man's teeth, than there are men in a whole kingdom." claimed a 17th Century scientist. Whether or not there is any truth in this, teeth can certainly collect their fair share of odor-producing debris. Best for keeping oral bacteria to a minimum is frequent brushing (with or without toothpaste) or even just swishing the mouth with water.
A Foul Tongue
Many dentists believe that keeping a clean tongue may be even more effective at arresting offensive breath than keeping teeth clean. Tongue-brushing is something the ancient Romans did regularly; Mohammed also encouraged his followers to practice the custom. Brush very gently, with a soft-bristle brush and keep away from the very back of your tongue as this may cause a gagging reaction.
An Empty Stomach
Yes, skipping meals can cause foul breath as it reduces the production of saliva needed to flush away bacteria from teeth, tongue and gums. Stress can also lead to a dry mouth, which can cause double trouble when coupled with the increase in stomach acid that stress can cause. Chewing gums and lozenges can step up saliva flow, as can between-meal snacks such as fresh fruits and vegetables.
Smoking
Because it sours the mouth and disrupts digestion, smoking has been linked to bad breath for centuries. Chewing tobacco can also foul the breath.
Overuse Of Mouthwashes
Ironic as it sounds, mouthwashes may actually worsen a bad breath problem by irritating oral tissue, although it does mask bad odors temporarily. For an emergency pick-up, try a quick rinse with a mix of water and a few drops of peppermint oil.
More Tips For Combating Bad Breath
Rinse with tea. According to a study by the University of Illinois at Chicago, rinsing your mouth with black tea suppresses the growth of bacteria in dental plaque and reduces formation and production of acids that cause tooth decay.
Eat a piece of sugarless candy. If you suffer from dry mouth, try sucking on a piece of sugarless candy or chew sugarless gum to stimulate saliva flow. Also, increase your intake of water.
Get your tongue in a scrape. To remove any residue that may be building up between the taste buds and folds in the tongue, invest in an inexpensive tool called a tongue scraper, which is available in drugstores.
Quit smoking. If you need another reason to quit, here's one: Smoking contributes to bad breath.
Clean those dentures. Dentures -- partial or full -- absorb odors (and they stain). Ask your pharmacist or dentist to recommend a denture cleaning paste or solution. (Reference: American Association of Endodontists (AAE.org), HealthScout News, and ADA.org)
(INDEX)
