Bad breath is a general term used to describe noticeably unpleasant odor exhaled in breathing, regardless of its reason. It affects a large proportion of population which may cause a social or psychological handicap to those suffering from it. This common disease has been ignored for too long even by dentists. The most common cause is related to the microbiota of the subgingival areas and the related tongue coating. The intensity of bad breath differs during the day, which may be due to stress or fasting. It may increase by eating certain foods with a strong flavor such as onions, garlic, meat, fish and cheese or even by habits like smoking and drinking alcohol. Because the mouth is dry and inactive during the night, the odor is usually worse upon awakening(morning breath). Bad breath may also be persistent, which leads to chronic bad breath, known to be a more serious condition, affecting atleast 25% population in varying degrees.
If you’ve chronic bad breath, it is advisable to visit a physician because there may be other pathologic reasons of bad breath such as nasal infections like rhinitis, pulmonary infections like bronchitis, gastro-intestinal disturbances which include gastro-esophageal reflux disease, systemic diseases like diabetes mellitus, hepatic failure, renal failure, uremia, blood dyscrasias or rheumatologic diseases.
Follow these simple instructions and get rid of this handicap of halitosis!
1. Basic oral hygiene
Improve oral hygiene and periodontal health through basic dental care like brushing twice daily and reduce the anaerobic microbial load.
2. Advanced oral hygiene
If necessary, incorporate advanced oral hygiene methods including oral irrigation and sonic or ultrasonic toothbrushes.
3. Flossing regularly
If you have crowded or proclined teeth along with the habit of mouth breathing because of which you have bad breath, you should floss regularly. Consultation with dentist is also recommended for proper alignment of teeth and treatment of mouth breathing.
4. Tongue brushing
If bad breath is a persistent complaint inspite of adequate conventional oral hygiene, tongue brushing should be practised.
5. Use of mouthwash
Rinse or gargle with an effective mouthwash. However, the side-effects of chlorhexidine mouthwash like staining of teeth and metallic taste in the mouth should be kept into mind while using it.
6. Periodical cleansing of teeth
Undergo regular periodontal screening and treatment, if required. Get your teeth cleaned every six months for eliminating any chances of developing bad breath and ensuring a healthy oral cavity.
7. Use of antimicrobial mouth solutions
A new solution containing Chlorhexidine, cetyl pyridium chloride and zinc lactate with no alcohol has antimicrobial action and it also reduces the volatile sulfur compounds, which are one of the most important causes of bad breath.
8. Avoid bad habits
Avoid smoking, drinking or chewing tobacco in the form of betel quids and do not consume other forms of smokeless tobacco.
9. Drink adequate water
Drink atleast 8 glasses of water everyday, which helps prevent accumulation of bacteria in the mouth and maintains good oral health. Do not forget to have a glass of water before going to bed and have water as soon as you wake up.
10. Consume citrus fruits
Eat oranges, grapes, lemons, avocados, unripe guava and other citrus fruits. These fruits increase the saliva secretion in the mouth and does not allow the bacteria causing bad breath, to multiply.
11. Consume clove or cardamom
Chew clove or cardamom which freshens the breath by its flavor.
12. Hydrogen peroxide can be used
Hydrogen peroxide can also be used as an effective remedy against bad breath. It releases nascent oxygen and does not allow anaerobic bacteria to grow. Hence, it proves to be a good home remedy to prevent stinky breath.
13. Do not let your mouth dry
See to it that your mouth is not dry. Drink lots of water, chew sugarless gum and eat lots of citrus fruits so that your mouth remains flushed with saliva. Citrus fruits contain antioxidants, which prove to be bacteriocidal and maintain a healthy oral hygiene free from periodontal problems as well as dental decay[also known as dental caries]
14. Gargles
Lemon water gargles should be done frequently. These gargles prove to be very successful home remedy against foul smell from the mouth.
15. Avoid food that trigger bad breath
Be watchful of what you eat. Some foods like pizza, onions and garlic are obvious culprits triggering bad breath.
16. Choose the right beverage
Beverages should be carefully selected. Coffee leads to bad breath, so coffee should be avoided. Instead, black or green tea should be used. Green tea is very beneficial for oral health. Regular oral rinses for several months inhibits gingival microorganisms and reduces oral plaque formation.
17. Cut down on sugar
Use less of sugar products. Bacteria live on sugar, so naturally sugary stuff would provide a bacteria conducive environment leading to worsening the problem of bad breath.
18. Chew sunflower seeds after meals
Chew sunflower seeds with water after lunch/dinner to combat bad breath.
19. Chew freshening herbs
Chew breath freshening herbs like fresh parsley, rosemint, spearmint and tarragon for a clean and pleasant breath.
20. Use of baking soda and tree oil
Use baking soda or tea tree oil with the tooth paste. Baking soda changes the pH and prevents the growth of bacteria in the mouth. Tea tree oil can even be used along with warm water as a mouthwash.
If all these solutions don’t work for you, it would be advisable if you visit a consulting physician for a complete health screening.
