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Bad breath (Halitosis) is widespread and quite common. You have probably discretely stepped away from friends or colleagues with bad breath. But it can also be a shock to realize that others, for the same reason, may be edging (discretely) away from you!
How can you know if your breath is offensive?
Try this simple bad breath(Halitosis) test:
Lick the inside of your wrist and wait 4 seconds. Now smell your wrist. If you don’t like what smells, your breath does not smell good either. Easy, no? An accurate and portable diagnosis!
If you don’t brush and floss daily, food particles remain in your mouth, causing bad breath. A colorless, sticky film of bacteria (plaque) forms on your teeth. If not brushed away, plaque can irritate your gums and eventually form plaque-filled pockets between your teeth and gums (periodontitis).
Halitosis comes from the Latin word “halitus” which means breath.
Bad breath is embarrassing and affects many people. The stats are around 1 in 4 people and it’s one of the main reasons people seek dental consultation.
If you go to the dentist, some have smart detectors that can discover what chemicals are responsible for bad breath. Although the usual cause is a lack of good oral hygiene, there are other reasons for this oral health problem.
What Causes Bad Breath?
Some are simple causes you have control over such as not having enough water in your body, dehydration, gum or tooth problems/ disease, and intestinal/ stomach disorders. Others may include yeast infection, use of medications, and some of the following:
- Acid reflux leads to spitting up partially digested food from the stomach or sour-tasting liquid and in turn, produces bad breath.
- Bacteria may have settled on your tongue, particularly in the grooves and crevices.
- Diabetes complications, if not managed well, can induce chemicals called ketones, a process called ketosis, that will make your breath smell.
- Dry mouth can be experienced by people who are taking prescription medications. Some medicines can cause the mouth to become dry, which can lead to bad breath because of insufficient saliva washing away bacteria. Other drugs produce unpleasant smells as chemicals break down and are released in the breath.
- Eating vegetables belonging to the Allium family, such as garlic, onion, and chives. They contain high quantities of sulfur compounds that enter your bloodstream. When these enter your lungs, it causes bad breath.
- Formation of tonsil stones, caused by tonsillitis where bacteria, dead cells, and mucus are trapped. It is usually associated with post-nasal drip where the excess mucus leaks onto the throat and releases the odor.
- Fasting and low-carb dieting can produce halitosis. The breakdown of fats releases chemicals called ketones that have a strong odor.
- It may indicate a serious disease like cancer, liver failure, or metabolic diseases like diabetes. They cause bad breath because of the different chemicals they release or cause to be released.
- Plaque that develops on your teeth and gums creates foul-smelling volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs).
- Taking vitamin supplements in large doses.
- You may have gum disease, an allergy, or lactose intolerance.
Remedies for Bad Breath
While there are many causes of bad breath, and we have just listed a few, don’t worry because there are solutions.
Water – yes, water! Many people suffer from chronic dehydration because they don’t drink the 8-12 glasses of water a day that the body needs. This common form of dehydration causes much common bad breath. You can improve your breath – and give a big lift to your health – simply by drinking enough water.
When you are under too much stress your digestive system doesn’t circulate enough oxygen (the energy goes into a fight or flight mode). This makes your digestive tract a breeding ground for the wrong bacteria – and for bad breath as well. Be sure to introduce deep, relaxed breathing throughout your busy day.
Observe Good Oral Hygiene Consistently
- Use antibacterial toothpaste.
- Brush your teeth, tongue, and gums thoroughly. Also, use a tongue scraper, if available, at least two times a day. Change your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, so it is efficient as a tooth and gum cleaner.
- Gargle with an antiseptic mouth rinse to reduce bacteria on your gums, tongue, and in-between teeth.
- Floss in between your teeth once a day after brushing.
- Clean your dentures well at least once every day. If you have a retainer, clean it before putting it back in your mouth with a cleaning product your dentist will recommend.
Home Remedies
There are home remedies you can make like baking soda mouthwash or vinegar mouthwash. Combine two teaspoons of baking soda with one cup of warm water. Rinse your mouth for at least 30 seconds. Baking soda can successfully diminish bad breath. Toothpaste containing baking soda is also helpful in killing bacteria in your mouth.
If you would like to try the vinegar mouthwash, combine two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and one cup of water. Gargle for 30 seconds. It may lessen the growth of bacteria because vinegar contains acetic acid, a natural acid that inhibits bacterial growth.
Here Are A Few More Ideas
- Breath tabs or gum can target hard-to-reach areas like the back of your tongue. When chewed, they dissolve as a liquid to stimulate saliva flow, lessening the bad breath-causing bacteria, and helping to wipe out the volatile sulfur compounds. You may also chew sugar-free gums or candies to stimulate saliva.
- Use mouth lozenges and drink lots of water for hydration instead of coffee, soda, or alcohol.
- Avoid smoking tobacco because it produces an irritating, unpleasant smell in your mouth.
- Eat a healthy and nutritious diet and prevent frequent snacking, especially sugary and spicy foods that cause bad breath.
- Have a regular dental checkup and cleaning of teeth at least twice a year.
The Last Word
If this all sounds too scientific, then you need to read the FREE Bad Breath Bible. This ebook explains bad breath in simplistic terms and demonstrates just how simple a bad breath solution can be. The solution can be as simple as changing from a soap-filled toothpaste that dries your mouth out, to one that actually assists in converting odorous sulfur compounds into odor-free/taste-free sulfate. You brush your teeth every day, so it’s not like you will need to change your habits to enjoy this bad breath solution.
Following any of these home remedies and treatments, together with practicing good oral hygiene and healthy lifestyle modifications, can significantly reduce or get rid of your bad breath.
Remember – fresh, clean breath is a reflection of good health, and health is an ongoing process. Stick with it! Follow my suggestions, and keep a log of what you do and the effects you see. This simple tracking process can help you pinpoint what is truly effective. You will be inspired by your own success!
