Halitosis, which in simple terms or common language is referred to as bad breath is so common that it is estimated that it affects 1 in 4 people globally. Poor dental hygiene, consuming high-sugar diets, alcohol, coffee, smoking, etc. are some causes of why you might be having bad breath.
Thankfully, halitosis or bad breath is a treatable condition for many adults. So, if you’re someone struggling with bad breath just know that it is more common than you think and it is easily treatable as well if you keep some good habits.
Should you see a doctor if you have halitosis or bad breath?
If you have halitosis then you should see a dentist Campsie as he or she can help you determine the exact problem that might be causing it or if they think you have a healthy mouth and you have proper dental hygiene and diet habits then there might be an underlying health problem which might be causing bad breath. Also, If you have pain or difficulty in swallowing your food or there are sores in your mouth then you should immediately see a dentist.
Symptoms of halitosis:
- People around you or you might notice an unpleasant smell coming from your mouth.
- Dry mouth.
- Unpleasant change in taste.
Below are 8 good dental habits that can help you tackle bad breath
1. Brush and floss your teeth regularly.
Brushing your teeth twice a day with any good fluoride toothpaste will help you remove any bacteria, food debris that might be still present in the mouth after you have eaten your food and even rinsed your mouth.
Also, don’t forget to brush your tongue too as bacteria on your tongue contributes to bad breath as well. Flossing is just as important as it will help remove food particles that are stuck deep in between your teeth and keep your mouth as clean as possible.
2. Eat fruits and vegetables and chew your food properly.
Chewing fruits and vegetables properly will ensure that your saliva keeps flowing and they also help clear odor-causing plaque which prevents bad breath.
3. Stop smoking and stop chewing tobacco-based products.
In addition to causing various health problems tobacco-based products and smoking in general also cause bad breath as people who smoke regularly or consume tobacco-based products regularly have a higher risk of gum diseases which will eventually lead to bad breath.
4. Go to your dentists regularly.
Getting a professional dental checkup at least twice a year can help you immensely. You will not only be able to tackle bad breath but it will also help diagnose any problems or oral health problems with your teeth or mouth in general.
5. Chew sugar-free gums to ensure that your mouth doesn’t stay dry.
Sugarless chewing gums increases the flow of saliva in your mouth and helps reduce cavities and plaque acid. This will indirectly strengthen your teeth and decrease your chances of having bad breath.
6. Drink water regularly.
This will also help in preventing your mouth from becoming dry and will stimulate the production of saliva which will help wash away any food particles or bacteria.
7. Ensure that you are getting enough carbs.
Carbs are essential and perform several important functions in our body. If you’re on a low carb and high protein diet then you might be more prone to halitosis as proteins are hard to digest and your body tends to release sulfurous gases while digesting them which eventually leads to horrible breath.
8. Replace your toothbrush after every 3 months.
After 3 months of regularly using toothbrushes, the bristles are worn out and they will be more abrasive on your gums which can lead to a variety of gum diseases. Having straight bristles and a clean toothbrush is an important part of your dental hygiene. The CDC or center for disease prevention and control advises you to replace it every 3 to 4 months.