Bad breath can make a business meeting or first date very uncomfortable. Most people who experience bad breath are unaware that they even have it.
The primary source of bad breath or “halitosis” is the bacteria that live in our mouths, especially on the tongue.
Bad breath can be caused by a number of factors including:
• Dental issues, such as poor oral hygiene, gingivitis, and periodontal disease.
• Improper cleansing of dentures.
• Dry mouth, which can decrease bacterial clearance.
• Mouth, nose, and throat issues.
• Systemic disease such as diabetes, lung infections, or gastrointestinal conditions.
Here are some tips for fresher breath:
• If you wear dentures, remove them at night and clean them to get rid of bacterial build-up from food and drink.
• Drink plenty of water and swish cool water around in your mouth. This is especially helpful to freshen “morning breath”.
• Brush after every meal and floss.
• Replace your toothbrush every two to three months.
• Arrange regular dental checkups and cleanings.
• Scrape your tongue each morning with a tongue scraper or spoon to decrease the bacteria, fungi, and dead cells that can cause odor. Hold the tip of the tongue with gauze to pull it forward in order to clean the back of the tongue. • Raw crunchy foods clean the teeth. Apples contain pectin, which helps control food odors and promotes saliva production. Cinnamon is antimicrobial. Active cultures in yogurt help reduce odor-causing bacteria in the mouth.
