Bad Breath Causes & Remedies
Everyone experiences bad breath from time to time. There are many reasons why bad breath occurs. In some cases it's certain foods, a symptom of disease, or due to poor hygiene. Developing a healthy oral care routine with proper brushing, flossing and mouthwash is the first step. And, it will make your teeth white, too! Explore solutions below for long-term and short-term remedies for bad breath. Does this Spark an idea?
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Dental hygiene
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Someone with poor dental hygiene is likely to develop plaque, gum disease (gingivitis), and bacteria buildup in the mouth, which can cause chronic bad breath. Sticking to a strict regimen that includes brushing the teeth twice a day, flossing once a day and using a fluoride rinse will help reduce the chances of developing bad breath.
Food
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Pungent foods, like onions and garlic, can linger on your breath for hours, or even days. Eating foods with more agreeable or neutral smells, like fruits and vegetables, can help mask bad breath. Smoking tobacco products causes bad breath. Smoke lingers in the lungs, tainting the smell of the air that you exhale.
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Diseases
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Several diseases can lead to persistent foul breath, which may be difficult to overcome. Cancer or abscesses in the lungs can cause bad breath. Bulimia, acid reflux or illnesses that cause episodes of vomiting are likely to lead to bad breath. Kidney and liver problems are responsible for processing waste out of the body and when they are not functioning properly, waste builds up and can taint the breath.
Xerostomia
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Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is a condition where the mouth does not release enough saliva. Saliva is important to break down food and wash out food particles from between the teeth. Food will stick to a dry mouth and cause bad breath. Drinking water with your food reduces the impact of dry mouth.
Mouth Wash
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Mouth wash is commonly pushed as a cure for bad breath. While mouth wash has strong flavors that can alter your breath, usually it just masks the smell temporarily. It does little to eliminate the root of the problem. Changing your diet and practicing good dental hygiene are the most effective ways to taming bad breath. Mouth wash and mints are best when masking the results of strong-smelling foods.
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