How to Get Rid of Nasty Breath

Certain medicines cause dry mouth which leads to bad breath.

Bad breath stinks. Feeling that your open mouth is a bastion of stench is terrible for your self-confidence and unpleasant for those around. Bad breath comes from a variety of sources including, certain foods, infrequent or poor oral hygiene, internal infections and digestive ailments. Solving bad breath requires a combination of lifestyle changes and medical attention, depending on the source of the problem.

Instructions

1. Brush and floss daily. Brush all areas of your mouth, especially those hard-to-reach spots where food and bacteria can easily accrue. Food particles in your mouth attract bacteria and can cause unpleasant odors. Rinse with a mouthwash, although it offers a minimal effect, according to the American Dental Association. Visit your dentist twice a year to have your teeth professionally cleaned and avoid plaque buildup, which can also cause bad breath.

2. Eliminate stinky foods and drinks. Avoid eating odorous food if you don't want to exhale garlic- or otherwise-scented breath for several hours. Even if you brush and floss vigilantly after eating garlic or onions, your body and lungs have already absorbed the odor-causing oils. The same concept of absorption and exhalation proves true of coffee. Don't consume tobacco in any form; its sticky, pungent nature naturally causes halitosis (bad breath) and expedites dental decay.

3. Moisten your mouth. Dry mouth causes bacterial growth and bad breath. Certain medications, thirst or exercise can all make your mouth grow dry. If you are taking medications that include dry mouth as a side effect, facilitate saliva production by keeping a small piece of sugar-free gum under your tongue. Other causes of dry mouth can include more serious conditions, so check with your doctor if your dry mouth becomes problematic.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep minted gum and sugar-free mints on hand to conceal your bad breath until you determine the cause. Keep a food journal and note after which foods your breath becomes especially unpleasant so you can avoid them in the future.

• Severely bad breath can be a sign of an internal infection in your respiratory or digestive system. Speak with your doctor to rule out complications related to disease or organ malfunction if your bad breath continues.

References

• American Dental Association: Bad Breath (Halitosis)
• Family Doctor: Halitosis