Stop Bad Breath in Its Tracks

Bad breath is a common problem affecting most people at some point in their life. While it can occasionally be a source of embarrassment, there are things you can do to stop bad breath. By using the methods discussed here, you can stop bad breath in its tracks!

What Can I Do?

There are many ways to fight against bad breath; some of them are common while others are less obvious. In general, all of the following factors have been shown to help stop bad breath:

• Visiting your dentist regularly
• Having your teeth cleaned regularly
• Flossing
• Brushing your teeth and gums correctly
• Cleaning your tongue
• Drinking plenty of liquids - but not alcohol and coffee!
• Chewing sugarless gum
• Cleaning your mouth after eating or drinking dairy, fish, and meat
• Soaking dentures overnight in an antiseptic solution
• Using a mouthwash proven to fight bad breath - ask your dentist
• Eating fresh vegetables

Your Dentist

The major problem leading to bad breath is poor oral hygiene. It has been shown to be the cause of bad breath 90 percent of the time. If you suffer from bad breath regularly, you need to visit your dentist at least once a year for a good cleaning and oral examination. By removing the plaque buildup in your mouth, you remove one of the breeding grounds for the bacteria that cause bad breath.

Your dentist will also be able to identity other possible sources of your bad breath. You may have a cavity, another place the odor-causing bacteria like to hide. You may have periodontal disease, another important factor that causes bad breath. Without regular visits to your dentist, some of these factors may not be identified at all. Hence, visiting dentist frequently is a crucial step to stop bad breath.

Oral Hygiene

Since 90 percent of the time bad breath can be linked to sources in the mouth, it's imperative to develop good oral hygiene habits. From brushing, flossing, and cleaning your tongue; to using an antibacterial mouthwash. Your oral hygiene is your first line of defense against bad breath.

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day should be your minimum; ideally you should brush after every meal and after snacks. The major problem with brushing is that people either don't do it right or they don't spend enough time brushing. On average, people only spend between 30-45 seconds brushing their teeth; this is not long enough to stop bad breath. Most people only floss occasionally, and it's the spaces between the teeth that provide ideal breeding grounds for bacteria.

Furthermore, your tongue is one of the largest home to bacteria in your mouth and should be cleaned regularly. There are tongue cleaning systems that you could use, or you could use your toothbrush. To use your toothbrush, dip it in antibacterial mouthwash and then gently brush your entire tongue. Don't use toothpaste as you are more likely to swallow a bit and it's been shown that toothpaste is not good for you to ingest.

Fluids

A dry mouth is a preferred condition for the bacteria that cause the foul odors associated with bad breath. Saliva normally keeps the mouth moist and it helps wash away the food particles, by which bacteria is fed on. By drinking water, you stimulate the flow of saliva and wash away left-over food particles. Moistening your mouth make it less suitable for the odor-causing bacteria.

Coffee is not a fluid you can drink to help the saliva flow. Coffee places a coating in your mouth. This coating block out oxygen, creating an ideal environment for odor-causing anaerobic bacteria. If you suffer from bad breath, that morning cup of coffee you drink to get yourself moving is, making your breath worse. If you find yourself really addictive to caffeine associated with coffee, switch to tea! Tea doesn't have the same effects as coffee on bad breath.

Conclusion

Bad breath is a common occurrence. Almost everyone suffers from it occasionally. You don't need to be a victim of this common problem forever. By simply adopting a few techniques of good oral hygiene, you can stop bad breath in its tracks!