If you’ve ever experienced bad breath, you’re not alone. Several studies report that 50% of the adult population has bad breath!
Bad breath, also called halitosis, is a problem that a myriad of factors can cause, but mainly it is caused by inadequate oral hygiene. So, before we offer you tips on preventing bad breath, let’s understand how it works!
Halitosis – What It Is and How It Occurs
Halitosis is Latin for bad breath and can typically occur due to consuming foods with garlic in them, beverages such as coffee or alcoholic drinks, smoking, or simply after you wake up in the morning. The most embarrassing part of bad breath is that you may not be aware you have it until someone else points it out for you.
Bad breath can lead to awkward and uncomfortable situations at times. Still, it can have a hugely negative influence on a person’s quality of life and their relationships for the more severe cases. Wearing masks amid the COVID-19 pandemic has made people even more conscious of their bad breath due to a problem that is known as mask mouth. This doesn’t mean that wearing masks gives you bad breath, but it only makes you more aware of the existing problem.
So how does bad breath occur? The main culprit is bacteria present in our mouth, so it’s not a surprise that poor oral hygiene is the biggest cause of halitosis. Gum diseases such as periodontitis, gingivitis, and dry mouth can also lead to bad breath, and you should schedule a dental appointment to rule these out.
Respiratory infections, gastrointestinal diseases, advanced kidney or liver diseases can also cause bad breath, in which case, it is advised you seek professional medical help. However, your bad breath can most likely be improved by following these simple tips!
10 Tips to Improve Bad Breath That You Should Follow Religiously
These tips will not only help you tackle bad breath but also improve your overall oral hygiene, so you should follow them:
· Brush your teeth at least two times a day to keep your mouth clean of bacteria and food particles
· Use a fluoride-containing or antibacterial toothpaste instead of regular ones
· Flossing at least once daily to get rid of food particles between your teeth and prevent plaque buildup
· Make sure you brush your tongue as well as it is home to a lot of the bacteria in your mouth
· Rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash before you go to bed
· Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco-based products
· Dry mouth? Drink plenty of fluids and use moisturizing agents such as dry mouth moisturizing gel or spray
· Avoid foods with onions and garlic as they can cause bad breath
· Avoid eating sugary foods excessively as that is also linked to bad breath
· Visit your dentist regularly to ensure you’re not suffering from any dental or gum diseases!
If all these tips don’t work or your bad breath is severe, it’s better to get professional help. At Advanced Dental Center, we offer a comprehensive range of dental services to our patients in Gaithersburg, MD. Take a virtual office tour now and give us a call to see how we can serve you!
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