Bad Breath and Recommendations to Fight it

Bad breath, or halitosis, could cause insecurity and a desire to never talk.  No one wants to be told you have bad breath, and it generally it’s not pleasant at all.  Solving bad breath with a mint toothpaste seems like a good idea, but you need to be aware that this could sometimes be a temporary solution.  Generally all it does is mask the true problem.

Appropriate hygiene

Bad breath could be caused by deficient oral hygiene.  It is recommended that one brush one’s teeth and tongue after meals to eliminate food residue, as well as to prevent bacterial plaque.  Flossing daily could also be a solution for bad breath.

However, if you follow these habits and the problem still doesn’t go away, your bad breath or halitosis is probably caused by something else.

Drink Enough Water

One of the most common causes of bad breath is poor hydration.  This is because a dry mouth cannot eliminate residue or bacteria as easily as when salivation is normal.  That’s why bad breath could be caused by insufficient hydration levels.

Saliva helps eliminate and neutralize bacteria thanks to the fact that it contains natural enzymes that block them from acting and developing, which is why hydration is important.

Keep an eye on your diet

Certain food combinations could cause bad breath, like mixing proteins and carbohydrates.  This is because digesting proteins could be a much slower process.  Also, some foods could cause bad breath, like garlic, onion, carbonated beverages, cheese, and others.  If you have bad breath, take a look at whether or not it is due to any of these foods.  It could also be a sign of a stomach problem, or a problem with the digestive system.

Avoid consuming too many carbohydrates, especially simple carbs, like caramels, ice cream, white sugar and others.  These could break down dental health and increase the risk of developing cavities.

Recommendations for eliminating bad breath

In order to fight halitosis, you must first identify the cause.  Based on the cause, you can choose the best solution for your breath problem.

Consume probiotics: Foods containing probiotics are those that provide beneficial microorganisms for the body, which promote healthy intestinal flora, like yogurt.  This promotes good digestion and prevents problems with bad breath.

Consume fruits and vegetables: Foods rich in fiber, like fruits and vegetables, can fight bad breath.  They help remove plaque, but it is advisable that you consume them raw.  A few examples consist of celery, apples and carrots, which are crunchy and great against plaque.

Activated Carbon: This product is perfect for detoxifying the body, however it can also be used to treat bad breath.  Just chew a small piece of activated carbon to help eliminate any of the filth in the mouth.  Some people also suggest adding it to your toothpaste.

Apple Cider Vinegar: Bad breath can be eliminated by consuming apple cider vinegar.  Just drink a glass of water with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar diluted in it, half an hour before meals.  This product helps improve digestion and is useful for fighting bad breath.

Salt water gargles: If you feel like your bad breath comes from your throat, salt water gargles might be a good alternative.  You should preferably use Himalayan salt, dilute it in water and gargle in the morning and before going to bed to help fight bacteria in the throat.

Chew cardamom and other herbs: Some plants help fight bad breath, like cardamom, mint, parsley, rosemary, dill and fennel.  They are very effective at treating an occasional problem, however it is a temporary solution if you don’t attack the root of the problem.

Foods rich in Zinc: bad breath could be a consequence of a zinc deficiency.  This mineral promotes oral health and some oral hygiene products contain it.  However, it’s a good idea to include foods rich in zinc in your diet, like pumpkin seeds, salmon, oysters, zucchini, and cocoa.

Keep in mind…

Bad breath could be a sign of disease, which is why if it doesn’t go away, it is important that you see your doctor, and don’t overlook it

Also, remember to avoid mouth rinses that contain alcohol, which has been related to a greater incidence of mouth cancer.

See your dentist regularly, at least once a year.  It is important that you get your teeth cleaned in order to take care of your teeth, and for good mouth health in general.

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