Bad Breath If you suffer from bad breath, you are not alone. Bad breath, also called halitosis, can be downright embarrassing. Gum disease, cavities, oral cancer, dry mouth and bacteria on the tongue are some of the dental problems that can cause bad breath. Using mouthwash to cover up bad breath when a dental problem is present will only mask the odor and not cure it. If you suffer from chronic bad breath, visit your dentist to rule out any of these problems. Ways to Detect Bad Breath The easiest way is to ask your confidante, however there are other simple ways to check like scraping the back of your tongue with a wooden spatula and smelling the debris collected on it. Another way is to lick the back of your hand and let the saliva dry then smell your hand. If you find the smell to be unpleasant, please follow the methods recommended to help you solve this embarrassing problem. Ways to Prevent Bad Breath Prevent bad breath by brushing your teeth and flossing twice a day. Brush your tongue/try using a tongue scraper, to remove any trapped food and plaque caught in the tiny hair-like fibers on the tongue. Finish off your brushing by rinsing thoroughly with water or mouthwash. Bad breath can be prevented by the treatment of dental problems such as tooth decay, gum abscesses, and abscessed teeth. Place a few drops of tee tree oil or peppermint oil on your tongue or use the oil on your toothbrush along with your toothpaste. Quit smoking, as this is the only way to eliminate bad breath from the use of cigarettes, which is also responsible for periodontal disease. Avoid foods known to cause bad breath such as garlic, onions, cabbage, certain spices, and coffee. A dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a major factor when it comes to bad breath. Sip water, chew sugar-free gum to help produce more saliva. If you are using breath fresheners on a regular basis, consider choosing one that contains xylitol, a sweetener that some studies have shown to reduce cavities. Avoid products that contain sugar to prevent the accumulation of plaque. Occasionally use a mixture of 50% hydrogen peroxide and 50% water, as a mouth rinse. Hydrogen peroxide will help kill the bacteria that cause bad breath. Prevent bad breath by visit your dentist on a regular basis (every six months or as indicated by your dentist) for a complete examination of your teeth and gums and thorough cleaning.
Posted on: Wed, 17 Jul 2013 15:38:04 +0000
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