Bad breath is generally considered offensive and unacceptable. Most of us are unaware of our own bad breath only when someone else brings it to our attention. Bad breath is an indicator of bad health. what can you do to prevent it?
Keep Your Mouth Clean
Bad breath is often a result of bacterial activity in the mouth. One must always keep in mind that tiny pieces of food that remain in the mouth provide a banquet for millions of bacteria. Therefore, one important way to fight bad breath is to keep your mouth clean, hence reducing its population of bacteria. This is done by regularly removing food particles and plaque from your teeth. Brushing your teeth after meals and at bedtime is important.
Pay Attention to your Tongue
People often overlook the tongue when practising oral hygiene. The crevices on your tongue’s surface can provide a haven for millions of bacteria. When left undisturbed, the bacteria can create a persistent bad-breath problem and other unhealthy conditions. Experts recommend gently brushing your tongue, which is a favourite hiding place and breeding ground for bacteria.
Do Not Rely Entirely On Commercial Mouthwash
Commercial mouthwashes can help, but you should not rely entirely on them when combating mouth odour. In a matter of minutes or hours, the bacteria causing bad breath can return to your mouth.
Do Not Smoke
Smoking is not good for your gum, it can stain your teeth and cause bad breath. People who smoke have a stale scent from the cigarette smoke lingering in the throat and lungs. Smoking dries the mouth; thus, decreasing saliva production and increasing bad breath.
Watch What You Eat
A lot of spicy food can give you bad breath. For instance, when you eat and digest garlic and onions, their chemicals enter your bloodstream, travel to your lungs and you breathe them out. Also, when you consume rinks that dry out the mouth, you can have bad breath. Experts recommend eating lots of fruits and vegetables. Drinking a lot of water also helps.
You Might Need a Doctor
If your bad breath continues despite your efforts, you need to see your doctor. They will check to see if you have a medical condition.
