Bad breath is not embarrassing, it is repelling. You may not know you have that condition until people dread talking to you. This condition can be treatable. All you need is to follow these tips below:
1. Brush and floss more often
Plaque, the sticky buildup on your teeth gathers bacteria that cause bad breath. Trapped food also adds to the problem. To control this, brush your teeth at least two times each day, and floss at least once. If you’re concerned about your breath, do both a little more often. Don’t overdo things, though. If you brush too hard you can wear down your teeth, making them vulnerable to decay.
2. Rinse your mouth out
Besides freshening your breath, a mouthwash adds extra protection by getting rid of bacteria. A fresh minty taste can make you feel good. But be sure the mouthwash you choose kills the germs that cause bad breath. Don’t just cover up the smell. Rinse daily with a good mouthwash and stop bad breath at its source.
3. Scrape your tongue
The coating that normally forms on your tongue can be a host for smelly bacteria. To get rid of them, gently brush your tongue with your toothbrush.You can try a scraper to remove bacteria, food debris, and dead cells that brushing alone can’t take care of.
4. Avoid foods that cause foul your breath
Onions and garlic are big offenders. But brushing after you eat them doesn’t help. The substances that cause their bad smells make their way into your bloodstream and travel to your lungs, where you breathe them out. Don’t eat them, or at least avoid them before you go to work or see friends.
5. Keep your gums healthy
Gum disease causes bad breath. Bacteria gather in pockets at the base of teeth, which creates an odour. If you have gum disease, your dentist may suggest you see a specialist.
6. Moisten your mouth
You can get tooth decay and bad breath if you don’t make enough saliva. If your mouth is dry, drink plenty of water during the day. Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugar-free hard candy. Also, try a humidifier at night to moisten the air in your house.
7. Quit smoking
Asides from causing cancer, smoking can damage your gums, stain your teeth, and give you bad breath. Over-the-counter nicotine patches can help tame the urge. If you need a little help, make an appointment with your doctor to talk about quit-smoking programs or prescription medications that can help you give up tobacco for good.
8. See a doctor
If your bad breath continues despite your best efforts, make an appointment with your doctor. They can check to see if your problems are related to a medical condition.