How to Stop Bad Breath

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is usually the result of a faulty or irregular oral hygiene routine. There are however other factors that may result in that far-from-fresh breath that's such a relationship killer. The good news is that not only is bad breath a widespread problem with 50 percent of the population experiencing it at some time, but it is also treatable.

To understand whether you really suffer from bad breath, it's necessary to understand that some forms of bad breath are perfectly normal, and are actually to be expected.  For instance, drinking tea or eating garlic-rich food will leave your breath with a stale or foul breath soon after. It's also normal to have stale breath when you wake up.

Halitosis which is bad breath due to abnormal causes may actually be difficult for you to detect because it is a consistent condition, and soon, you could get used to the smell of your own breath. Often, people find that they have bad breath only when others inform them. There are certain oral symptoms that are usually tied to bad breath.  For instance, bad breath is often accompanied by dry mouth in which you may suffer from a burning sensation or inflammation in the mouth. Teeth with pus-filled pockets between them, oral sores, gum inflammation and heavy coatings of plaque on teeth are likely to accompany bad breath.

Dealing with Bad Breath

Fortunately, more than 90 percent of people who suffer from bad breath can correct the problem through proper oral hygiene. Improper cleaning of the teeth leads to food debris remaining stuck on the teeth. The natural oral bacteria attack the food and begin to break it down, leading to the production of bad smelling odor. You can prevent this problem by brushing twice a day. It is not enough to merely go through the motions.  You have to make use of correct brushing techniques, taking care to clean the surfaces as well as the sides of the teeth. Use a well designed tooth brush to help you access hard-to-reach areas. Also, floss everyday to remove minute food particles from between the teeth. Remember to clean your tongue with a tongue scraper. Avoid smoking and tobacco products. Limit your intake of alcohol and coffee. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, and avoid spicy foods. Drink lots of water, and rinse your mouth frequently especially after eating spicy foods.  Dryness of the mouth can cause bad breath, and if you suffer from this, your dentist may prescribe an artificial saliva substitute that is available over the counter. Visit your dentist for a complete checkup every 6 months, and have your teeth professionally cleaned during the visit.  Mouth washes can mask foul breath but can’t eliminate the causes of halitosis.   

People who suffer from certain health conditions like diabetes may suffer from frequent bouts of bad breath. Over the counter mouth washes won't help in such cases.  Diabetics must keep their blood sugar levels under control, and take extra care over their dental hygienic practices to avoid bad breath.