How to Treat Halitosis

Halitosis, or bad breath, can be caused by anything from hygiene to your diet. This undesirable side effect has many treatments depending on your symptoms. In some cases doctors have the answer, and in many others you need to change your daily habits to cure halitosis. Luckily, this annoying symptom can be easily remedied.

Things You'll Need

• Floss
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste

Instructions

1. Brush and floss your teeth. This is the easiest way to cure mild halitosis. Bacteria and food build up in the mouth and proper oral hygiene can be a simple cure for your bad breath.

2. Visit a dentist. This is necessary, if your halitosis symptoms persist. Often, prolonged halitosis is a symptom of a larger problem. In any case, your dentist can provide a deep cleaning of your teeth and gums that floss and brushing cannot accomplish.

3. Drink plenty of fluids. Sleeping is often the culprit in halitosis. Dry mouth while sleeping has proven to cause halitosis as well. When bacteria and food particles dry, they tend to cause unpleasant odors in your mouth. A doctor can prescribe medicine for chronic dry mouth, which may also cure your halitosis.

4. Alter your diet to control halitosis. Strong vegetables such as onion and garlic can be the cause for halitosis because of the way they break down inside your body. Eliminate foods with strong odors from your diet to see if this is the cause of your problem.

5. Use a toothbrush on your tongue. Many times the tongue acts as a reservoir for bacteria and can be the cause of halitosis. After you have flossed and brushed your teeth, use a small amount of toothpaste to scrub the topside of your tongue. This will scrape away unwanted bacteria and eliminate a major culprit in halitosis.