This article discusses the notorious problem of bad breath, and how to tackle it. Read on for tips on how to address bad breath through diet, health awareness and hygiene.
Failing to brush teeth twice a day is the principle cause of bad breath. This allows bacteria from food particles to build up and remain on the tongue and around the gums. This causes the breath to smell bad. Additionally, if you wear dentures bad breath can be caused if these are not properly cleaned.
Other causes of bad breath include smoking cigarettes or cigars, or even chewing tobacco based products. Smoking also reduces the ability to taste food and can lead to gum irritation.
Health and bad breath
Sometimes bad breath is caused by health problems. Gum disease is signaled by a persistent bad breath and foul taste in the mouth, and is caused by a build up of plaque on teeth. This causes toxins and bacteria to accumulate in the mouth and these can damage gums and even cause damage to the jawbone in serious cases.
Yeast infections can cause bad breath. You should consult your GP if you have an unexplained case of bad breath.
Dry mouth is a medical condition that can lead to bad breath. It interferes with saliva production, which naturally cleanses the mouth by neutralizing acids caused by plaque and washing away dead cells building up in the mouth.
Tips for preventing bad breath
If you want to prevent bad breath you should:
Keep you mouth clean
Keeping your mouth clean is one of the most important things you can do to prevent bad breath. You should buy a good toothbrush and use it to brush your teeth twice daily. Your dentist will be able to advise you on what the best toothbrush for your teeth is. You should replace your toothbrush every six months.
Visit your dentist
Visiting the dentist helps to ensure bad breath is prevented as any causes of bad breath can be swiftly noted and dealt with. The dentist examines the teeth to detect any health issues that can cause bad breath and will ensure you know how to improve dental hygiene if this is required.
Smoking
If you have bad breath, caused by smoking then the only solution to this is to stop smoking. You can get advice from your GP to assist you in stopping. If you can’t stop, then reducing smoking will help reduce the problem of bad breath. Additionally using breath mints and washing regularly will help, if stopping smoking is not an option.
