How to Help Eliminate Bad Breath

The worst thing about bad breath is you can’t tell if your own breath is bad. That is, unless someone tells you. In reality most people will have occasional problems with bad breath. Bad breath (halitosis) can be caused by a number of things. Among them are: poor hygiene, food, lack of dental care, dry mouth, diseases, medications, nose and throat conditions, and tobacco use. The stores are full of products that can temporarily improve bad breath. It’s better to work on a permanent solution to the problem. The best thing about bad breath is most people will be able to permanently improve it by taking a few steps at home.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• new tooth brush
• floss

1. The most common cause of bad breath is poor dental hygiene. When your teeth are not cleaned daily, small pieces of food get caught between your teeth causing bacteria and a colorless, sticky film called plaque to forms on your teeth. The plaque and build-up of food can irritate your gum, cause tooth decay and odor and eventually gum disease. To eliminate this cause of bad breath:
   • Brush your teeth at least twice a day or better after each time you eat. Each time your brush, do so for two to three minutes.
   • Floss every day – it helps remove food paticles and plaque from between your teeth.
   • Brush your tongue. It will help remove any bacteria growing on it.

2. Other things you can do to prevent bad breath:
   • Change your toothbrush often, at least every 6 months.
   • Drink lots of water to keep your mouth moist.
   • Chew sugarless gum. It will help remove food particles and bacteria.
   • See your dentist twice a year for a cleaning and checkup.

3. When to see a doctor
   There are variety physical conditions that can cause bad breath. If your bad breath doesn’t improve after a few weeks, you may want to go to the doctor to rule out any physical reasons for your bad breath.

[joan1987]

on 6/7/2009 hope people take this advice. Good tips.

[medphysinfo]

on 5/19/2009 Nicely written article with great steps to have fresh breath.