How Bad Is Your Breath? 14 Simple Tips For Reducing Mouth Odor.
Bad breath, morning breath, breath odor or halitosis are all
terms used to describe a noticeably unpleasant odor exhaled on
the breath. Halitosis is not a problem by itself, but it can
cause concerns in our interpersonal relationships.
We are all familiar with how the consumption of certain foods
such as garlic and onions can affect our breath. This occurs
because these foods are absorbed into our bloodstream, where
they are transferred to our lungs and exhaled. Fortunately, bad
breath caused by the foods we eat is only temporary.
The truth is, most breath odor comes from food particles trapped
in our mouths. When food remains in the mouth, it becomes a
breeding ground for the bacteria that can cause bad breath.
Other causes can include poor oral health, improper cleaning of
dentures, periodontal disease as well as smoking & tobacco
products. Bad breath can also be sign of an underlying medical
condition of the stomach, lungs and bloodstream.
Another little known situation that can contribute to halitosis
is xerostomia (dry mouth). When our mouth is dry, saliva
production decreases, leaving the mouth's natural ability to
clean itself impaired. Saliva is the mouth's natural mouthwash,
which contains properties that reduces bacteria in the mouth.
Alcohol consumption, certain medications, breathing through the
mouth instead of the nose or a salivary gland disorder can
contribute to having a dry mouth.
Recommendations For Wellness
Brush your teeth and rinse your mouth thoroughly after every
meal to remove food particle from the mouth.
When you are brushing your teeth, also brush your tongue. The
tongue is covered with thousands of tiny hairs that can trap
bacteria.
Have regular check-ups with your dentist to rule out gum disease
and to correct any faulty restorations, overhanging fillings or
leaking crowns, all of which can trap food in the mouth.
Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless lozenges to increase the
flow of saliva.
If your mouth is dry, drink plenty of water. Try swooshing it
around in your mouth for at least twenty seconds to loosen any
food particles the bacteria can feed upon.
Avoid breath mints and mouthwashes that contain alcohol. Instead
of helping, they can make things worse. They only temporarily
cover the smell and tend to dry the mouth, creating a more
favorable environment for bacteria.
Snacking on vegetables such as raw celery or carrots can keep
plaque from forming.
If you are going to an important meeting or on a big date, avoid
foods that can cause bad breath, such as onions and garlic.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine consumption, which can dry the mouth.
Quit smoking. Tar and nicotine can build up on the surface of
the teeth, tongue and cheeks. It can also dry the mouth and
inhibit saliva flow.
Chlorophyll is a natural breath freshener and is found in leafy
green vegetables like parsley.
A few drops of peppermint or tea tree oil can be applied to the
tongue or toothbrush to help freshen the breath. In addition to
its refreshing nature, their antibacterial properties will kill
the bacteria found in the mouth.
Baking soda has a long history of being used to maintain good
oral health and for fighting bad breath.
A mixture of 50% hydrogen peroxide and 50% water can be swooshed
around in the mouth and used as a mouthwash. Hydrogen peroxide
can kill many of the bacteria that can cause bad breath.