Bad breath, also known as halitosis or malodor, can be an embarrassing and difficult condition to treat. Fortunately, getting rid of bad breath is not difficult. With a few mouth-cleaning steps and a few lifestyle changes, you can get rid of bad breath once and for all.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Get Rid of Bad Breath
Step 1. Brush your teeth for two minutes, twice a day
This is the first thing you can do to get rid of bad breath. Use a fluoride toothbrush and toothpaste, brush in the morning and evening every day. Set a timer for two minutes or listen to a short song to mark the time because most people only brush their teeth briefly. If you are really afraid of bad breath, brush your teeth after you eat.
- Don't "brush" your teeth hard – hold the toothbrush like a pencil and brush in small circles
- Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle, following the shape of the edge of the gum line.
- Also make sure to brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth.
- Change your toothbrush every 2-3 months.
Step 2. Flossing once a day. Flossing is still the most effective way to remove food debris and plaque between your teeth, which can irritate gums and allow bacteria that cause bad breath to grow. Be sure to floss all the teeth on both sides.
- The dental floss should form a "C" around the teeth.
- Floss only at the gum line. If your gums start to bleed, rinse your mouth and continue flossing gently.
Step 3. Use an antibacterial mouthwash to clean your entire mouth
Use an antibacterial mouthwash several times a week after brushing and flossing. Never use mouthwash that contains alcohol as it will dry out your mouth and make your breath worse in the long run.
Mouthwash generally only masks bad breath, not cures it, so make sure you keep brushing and flossing regularly
Step 4. Stay hydrated
Dehydration is a major cause of bad breath, but it's easy to treat. Make sure you drink 4-5 glasses of water per day to keep your mouth healthy and clean.
Step 5. Chew sugar-free gum
Chewing gum stimulates the formation of saliva in your mouth, which can help maintain moisture and balance the bacteria in your mouth. However, chewing gum with sugar will make your breath worse because the sugar actually feeds the bacteria in your mouth and makes the smell worse.
Eating a piece of sugar-free gum after a meal can help keep your mouth healthy
Step 6. Chew fresh parsley leaves to temporarily get rid of bad breath
Green leaf herbs like parsley contain chlorophyll, which is known to naturally deodorize your breath. Chew a few sprigs as a short breath freshener.
Fresh basil, cardamom, rosemary, and green tea also have the same properties
Step 7. Add more zinc to your diet
Zinc, found in some mouthwashes, helps with halitosis and prevents bad breath. It is found in pumpkin seeds and other pumpkins (such as squash), cocoa, and organ meats such as liver. Zinc is also an essential part of most multivitamins and can be obtained as a supplement at your local pharmacy.
Step 8. Visit your dentist and oral hygienist every 6 to 8 months
Professional cleaning will remove plaque and help you spot problems before they get big. Be sure to visit the dentist and ask him about bad breath.
Method 2 of 3: Avoiding Bad Breath
Step 1. Take probiotics once a day
An imbalance of bacteria in the digestive tract can cause bad odors and gas that becomes your breath. Probiotics, found in most supermarkets and pharmacies in the supplement section, help restore the balance of bacteria in your stomach to aid digestion, as well as your breath.
Step 2. Avoid spicy foods, garlic, and onions
These foods will cause bad breath no matter how you brush your teeth. The reason is, after the food is digested, the odor-causing chemicals seep into the bloodstream which will then be exhaled into breath through the stomach.
If these foods are unavoidable then use sugar-free gum or a small mouthwash after eating
Step 3. Stop using tobacco products
Many cases of chronic bad breath are caused by smoking or chewing tobacco, which can stain your teeth and hurt your gums. This can lead to bacterial growth and bad breath.
Step 4. Reduce alcohol consumption
Beer, wine, and liquor can cause bad breath 8-10 hours after you've finished drinking. Alcohol makes your mouth dry, then the sugar from most drinks will feed the bacteria that cause bad breath.
Step 5. Gargle after eating
It can be very helpful if you don't have a toothbrush with you. After eating, gargle with a little cold water and vomit to get rid of food debris that can cause bad breath.
Step 6. Eat a complete, healthy diet
Be sure to eat a complete diet consisting of natural fruits, vegetables and nuts. Foods and drinks that contain a lot of sugar, such as soda and candy, will play a big role in bad breath.
- A low-carb diet (less bread, pasta, whole grains, etc.) will cause bad breath because your body will release "ketones," a chemical that smells bad.
- Fasting and extreme dieting can cause bad breath that can't be removed with a toothbrush.
Method 3 of 3: Diagnosing Chronic Bad Breath
Step 1. Check for gum disease
Periodontitis, or gum pain, occurs when your gums shrink from your teeth and create pockets of bacteria. Periodontitis not only causes uncontrollable bad breath, it can also damage your teeth if not treated quickly. Symptoms include:
- Sensitive or inflamed gums.
- loose teeth.
- Pain or bleeding when brushing teeth.
Step 2. See a dentist immediately if you have a cracked hole or filling
This place is prone to infection which can cause bad breath. If one of your teeth hurts constantly or suddenly becomes sensitive to changes in temperature then you should see a dentist as soon as possible.
Step 3. Recognize potential stomach conditions that can cause bad breath
Conditions in your stomach, such as acid reflux, can cause unpleasant-smelling gases and chemicals that then become your breath. See a doctor if you have chronic stomach ailments, problems with digestion, and bad breath that lingers after brushing and rinsing your mouth.
If your bad breath comes on suddenly then it could be a sign of a more serious condition. Make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible
Step 4. Check for side effects of your medication
Some medications can, unfortunately, cause bad breath. Usually side effects like “dry mouth” will cause an imbalance of bacteria in your mouth, which can cause bad breath. If the problem gets too big, talk to your doctor about possible treatment alternatives.
Usually medications for depression, anxiety, allergies, acne, and obesity can cause bad breath
Step 5. Recognize that certain chronic conditions will cause bad breath
Diabetes, chronic bronchitis, liver disease, and respiratory infections can all cause bad breath that needs to be treated with care. Be sure to brush and floss your teeth frequently and keep sugar-free gum in your bag to cover up bad breath that can't be handled.
Tips
- Changing your toothbrush regularly ensures you will clean your mouth properly.
- Brushing your teeth after every meal will help you prevent bad breath.
Warning
- See a dentist or doctor if you have bad breath for more than a week that doesn't react to brushing and flossing.
- Avoid mouthwash containing alcohol.
