How to Cure Halitosis (Bad Breath)

For some people, Halitosis or bad breath can really have an affect on their daily lives. Halitosis is very treatable, the only hard part is isolating the problem. Bad breath is caused a few different ways, but a little research can usually find the culprit.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. This is obvious, but make sure you have good oral hygiene. the back of the tongue is a breading ground for halitosis and brushing your tongue is very important to remove that. A tongue scraper is good, or just use your tooth brush to brush the back of your tongue every day, and then rinsing it out well.

2. 
    
   halitosis

   Restore your intestinal balance with flora balance or other probiotics. Sometimes antibiotics can mess up your bacteria levels. Probiotics can be bought online or at a specialty store such as Mother's market or Trader Joes. Halitosis can originate in the stomach in some cases.

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   Rinse with a mixture of 1 part water to 1 part hydrogen peroxide (3% concentration, this is the normal stuff you buy at the store). Add a little baking soda and sea salt as well. The hydrogen peroxide has been scientifically proven to create an environment where bacteria can't grow. Doing this twice a day has been shown in some people to completely cure halitosis.
   
   
   **DO NOT SWALLOW** hydrogen peroxide is not meant to be ingested, just rinse for 30 seconds and spit.

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   Laying off dairy sometimes can be a good bad breath remedy. For some people, the stomach doesn't digest dairy products well and that could lead to bead breath.

5. Sinuses can be a big cause of bad breath including post nasal drip. Go online to get a neti pot. Neti Pots are great for cleaning out the sinuses. Youtube has some great videos demonstrating the use of a neti pot.

6. Stay away from bad breath products like mouthwash. Although they are minty, they contain alcohol which dries your mouth out. If you do have a dry mouth, try a dry mouth toothpaste. Dy mouth can be a cause of bad breath as well.

7. Sometimes, antibiotics can help cure bad breath. Sinus and mucus problems are considered the number one cause of bad breath and antibiotics will help neutralize them. It seems counter intuitive to the probiotics but it is a different kind of bacteria. See a doctor about your sinuses, especially if you have a history of sinus problems.

8. Tonsil stones and tonsillitis can be a cause of bad breath. Tonsils can give off a discharge that sits in the back of the throat and are called tonsil stones. they smell terrible, and a doctor would be able to tell you if you have them. Getting your tonsils out is a cure in some cases.

Tips & Warnings

• See a doctor if you have constant bad breath. Doctors have seen it all and can help give other cures for halitosis.
• Keep a pack of gum with you for emergencies.
• With hydrogen peroxide, make sure you don't use more than the 3% concentration that you buy at the store, and don't swallow.