Nothing shakes confidence more than bad breath. You smell bad breath in the middle of an important meeting, then feel insecure. Or don't want to be close to loved ones for fear of disgusting them. You don't want to blow your breath on a flower for fear of wilting it. If this is the case, understand that there are things that can be done immediately to reduce the sharpness of bad breath. However, calculate how much time has passed since your last visit to the dentist if bad breath is a frequent problem. Bad breath can be caused by gingivitis, periodontitis (a disease caused by inflammation of the periodontium), foods with a strong odor, gastritis (GERD), or brushing teeth that are not clean and still leave food residue.
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Method 1 of 5: Overcome Bad Breath with Dental and Oral Health Products
Step 1. Use a portable toothbrush
Some people who suffer from halitosis (bad breath) or are not confident with the smell of their breath will always carry a toothbrush with them wherever they go. Bring a small amount of toothpaste. If you don't have toothpaste on hand, know that brushing your teeth with tap water can help reduce microbial odors that build up when you eat. Small portable toothbrushes can be purchased at grocery stores or pharmacies for a low price.
Also try keeping a pack of small disposable toothbrushes. In this way, the toothbrush will not get dirty and remain hygienic every time you want to use it
Step 2. Clean the teeth using dental floss
In addition to a toothbrush or to replace it, sneak into the bathroom and floss. There are many types of dental floss that leave a minty taste after use, which can help freshen your breath.
- Dentists recommend flossing after every meal to ensure that food particles don't get caught between the teeth. If this method is too much of a hassle, floss at least once a day - preferably before bed - to get rid of bad breath.
- Flossing after eating is one of the best ways to combat halitosis (bad breath).
- Consider bringing dental floss or flossing equipment, such as toothpicks that come with floss, so that cleaning your teeth is easy.
Step 3. Use Listerine or another antibacterial mouthwash
Listerine is available in a small bottle that is easy to carry in the back pocket of pants or a small bag. Gargle for 20 seconds, then spit it out. This will help fight the bacteria that cause bad breath and also give your mouth a fresh scent. Be sure to choose a mouthwash that has antigingivitis and/or tartar properties.
Listerine also produces a dissolving coating on the tongue. This coating is designed to fight bad breath quickly, but can feel a bit pungent
Method 2 of 5: Chew Something to Reduce Bad Breath
Step 1. Chew sugar-free gum
Sugar-free gum helps stimulate saliva production. This will help the mouth from drying out. Dry mouth in general will lead to bad breath because the bacteria that cause it are not washed away. Chewing gum also helps remove food particles from the gaps in your teeth. Sugar-free gum is not a substitute for a proper oral health routine. Don't stop brushing and flossing your teeth.
Natural chewing gums made from peppermint and other herbs, which will help disguise bad breath in addition to removing food debris from your teeth, can be found at your local grocery store
Step 2. Chew on herbaceous leaves, such as mint, parsley, basil and wintergreen
Herbs can't clean teeth, but they can fight bad breath with their strong scent. This method can work quickly, but should not be seen as a long-term solution. Pay attention to the traces of herbs stuck between the teeth. You definitely don't want to trade bad breath for big clumps of parsley left between your teeth.
Step 3. Chew nuts and seeds
Peanuts have a strong aroma and a coarse texture that will help remove any food residue left on your teeth, tongue or gums. Fennel and dill seeds are able to disguise bad breath well. Anise is a licorice-scented seed which actually contains antiseptic substances.
Method 3 of 5: Using Water to Fight Bad Breath
Step 1. Drink water mixed with lemon or lime
The acidic aqueous solution has an amazing effect on bad breath, as well as being a delicious and healthy addition to coke substitutes. Since one of the main causes of bad breath is dry mouth – which is often associated with “wake up breath” – water will help moisturize and reduce the odor.
Lemon/lime juice can help disguise bad breath, so squeeze out as much as you can and add it to the water. The acidity of the lemon/lime will help fight bacteria in the mouth that cause odor
Step 2. Use a portable waterpik (water flossing tool)
Waterpik is generally used as a substitute for dental floss. Waterpik uses compressed air to remove food debris stuck in between the teeth. This tool can also be used to clean the tongue. Just sneak into the bathroom, fill the waterpik with water, and start spraying your teeth. You can add mouthwash, if you have one, into the water reservoir for added resistance to bad breath.
Step 3. Gargle with water
Then, use a dry paper towel to brush all over the teeth. The inside of the shirt can also be used to brush your teeth. This will leave your teeth feeling very soft, as if you just brushed them. Then, rinse again. If you have a brown paper towel with a rough surface, you can rub it on your tongue from the inside out and find some of the tartar removed.
Method 4 of 5: Checking for Bad Breath
Step 1. Ask someone else
Most people will try to exhale on their palms to catch bad breath, but this method will only reveal the smell of their hands if done too often. This technique is not an accurate indicator for assessing bad breath because the respiratory tract is connected to the mouth. The best way to immediately recognize bad breath is to ask the people closest to you. Ask a loved one - not someone you really dislike - to smell your mouth quickly. Don't make it look too obvious. This step requires only short, rapid exhalations.
Step 2. Lick the inside of your wrist
Pull over and lick the inside of the wrist. The wrist can be a better indicator of bad breath because it doesn't come into contact with a lot of things. Wait for the saliva to dry and sniff your wrist. This step is one of the most accurate ways to detect bad breath.
Step 3. Perform the scoop dredge test
Take a spoon and place it upside down on the back of the tongue. Pull the spoon to the front of the mouth slowly and carefully. Then, check for any residue that has accumulated on the spoon. You're more likely not to experience bad breath if the spoon looks clean. In the case of bad breath, the residue collected tends to be milky white or even yellowish. The residue that collects on the spoon is a layer of bacteria that has accumulated on top of the tongue.
- It is very important to scrape the back (posterior) of the tongue when brushing your teeth. The posterior tongue is a comfortable place for bacteria that cause bad breath.
- This test can be performed using gauze - which can be purchased at any pharmacy - and in the same way. Spoons tend to be easier to find in everyday situations.
Step 4. Check using a halimeter
A halimeter examination will look for signs of sulfide in the breath. VCS or sulfur compounds are commonly found in the human mouth, but high levels can indicate bad breath. Sulfur smells like eggs - this is not the desired bad breath at an important meeting. Usually, the dentist will carry out the examination, but you can buy a halimeter yourself if you really want to. Halimeter prices are very expensive.
Step 5. Ask the dentist to perform a gas chromatography (KG) examination
This test can measure the levels of sulfur and several other chemical compounds in the mouth. This examination is the most effective and the result is considered the number one standard.
Method 5 of 5: Knowing When to Visit the Dentist
Step 1. Visit the dentist if you have chronic bad breath
If you've tried the steps listed in this article and are still experiencing bad breath, it's time to see your dentist. Bad breath is one of the most obvious signs of gum disease or tartar buildup. Doctors and dental hygienists will highlight the missing parts of your dental cleaning routine and help combat any dental problems you are currently experiencing.
Step 2. Visit the dentist if you see white dots on the tonsils
You may be looking inside your mouth and trying to figure out what's causing bad breath. Visit your dentist if you notice small white spots stuck in the back of your mouth, on either side of your throat (the ball that hangs down the back of your mouth). These white spots are known as tonsil stones. Tonsil stones are formed from food, mucus, and hardened clumps of bacteria. Although rare, tonsil stones must be removed with care.
French researchers found that about six percent of humans experience some degree of tonsil stone buildup
Step 3. Visit the dentist if you suffer from dry mouth and chronic bad breath
There are several causes of dry mouth that ultimately lead to bad breath. Although the main cause is dehydration; Medical conditions, medications, and other systemic problems can result in dry mouth. Nasal congestion; diabetes; side effects of taking antidepressants, antihistamines, and diuretics; radiotherapy; and Sjögren's syndrome can cause dry mouth. The dentist will refer you to a specialist to carry out examinations/tests for these conditions, but it can also help identify possible causes of dry mouth.
Tips
- Stop smoking. One of the main causes of bad breath is smoking and the use of other tobacco products.
- Try to avoid eating onions, garlic, and other foods that can cause bad breath. These foods contain a sharp and unpleasant odor, which can remain in the mouth for a long time.
