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Odor-causing bacteria that form in the mouth from food particles and plaque buildup is the primary culprit of halitosis. Effective bad breath prevention begins with proper oral care. Poor dental hygiene not only causes foul breath but can lead to periodontal disease and cause damage to the teeth, gums and the bones that support the teeth.
Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes per session. Use an antiseptic mouthwash that kills germs. Floss your teeth once a day to remove food particles from between the teeth. Also, visit your dentist twice a year for regularly scheduled cleanings, and checkups. - Eating garlic and onions produces an unpleasant odor in your mouth. And no matter how much you brush, floss and gargle, the smell won't go away. This is because the oils from the garlic and onions are absorbed into your bloodstream and carried to your lungs. Avoid eating these foods to prevent bad breath. Avoid smoking cigarettes and chewing tobacco because these products make you more susceptible to periodontal disease, stained teeth and yucky breath.
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See a doctor if bad breath persists despite proper oral care and your dentist rules out periodontal disease as the cause. There may be an underlying medical condition causing your halitosis. Some of these conditions can include diabetes, respiratory tract infections, pneumonia, sinusitis, bronchitis, and liver and kidney disease. Treating the underlying medical problem in conjunction with proper dental hygiene will keep bad breath from reoccurring.
Certain medications, medical conditions and dehydration can cause a condition known as dry-mouth. Dry-mouth reduces the production of saliva and its ability to neutralize plaque acids in the mouth. This leads to a buildup of odor-causing bacteria and results in bad breath. To manage dry-mouth, suck on sugarless candy to stimulate saliva production and drink plenty of water to keep your mouth moist.
