Halitosis is a foul odour emanating from the mouth. It’s not a medical emergency, of course, but some 25 to 30 percent of the world’s population suffer from this distressing problem.
Bad breath is an embarrassing hygiene issue that nobody wants to have, but most of us get it now and then.
Bad breath can be very embarrassing, but it is a common condition, and numerous ways exist to prevent it. But before we discuss how you can fight bad breath, let’s first get into its origin.
How Does Bad Breath Origin?
Bad breath typically originates in the mouth, where bacteria are ever-present.
- When you eat, bits of food get caught in your teeth. Bacteria grow on these bits of food, releasing foul-smelling sulfur compounds. Another cause of bad breath is poor dental hygiene. If you don’t brush and floss often, the bacteria in your mouth continue to grow, and a thin film of bacteria known as plaque builds up on your teeth. When plaque isn’t brushed away at least twice daily, it produces a foul odour and leads to another smelly process: tooth decay.
- Certain foods like onions and garlic more commonly lead to bad breath. Digestion of these foods releases sulfur compounds into your bloodstream. When the blood reaches your lungs, it affects your breath.
- Although more than 90 percent of bad breath cases originate in the mouth, occasionally, the source of the problem comes from elsewhere in the body. It may result from acid reflux, which leads to the partial regurgitation of foul-tasting liquid.
- If you start a new diet, such as the keto diet, may also bring a certain breath odour.
- It caused by decreased saliva flow, which is a vital part of the digestive process and removes odour-causing particles in the mouth.
- Also called xerostomia, dry mouth may be caused by medications, breathing through the mouth, or salivary gland problems.
- In addition to causing bad breath, smoking or chewing tobacco-based products can stain teeth, irritate gum tissue, and exacerbate tooth decay.
- Dentures or dental appliances, such as braces, can also contribute to bad breath. Most often, it is due to food particles not properly cleansed from the appliances. Loose-fitting dentures can contribute to sores and localized infections in the mouth, which can cause bad breath.
How To Get Rid of Bad Breath Using Home Remedies?
It’s easy to improve your breath and keep your teeth and gums healthy at the same time. Try these simple steps to make your mouth feel fresh and clean and get rid of bad breath:
Mouth rinses and toothpaste
If your bad breath is due to a buildup of bacteria (plaque) on your teeth, your dentist may recommend a mouth rinse that kills the bacteria. Your dentist may also recommend a toothpaste that contains an antibacterial agent to kill the bacteria that cause plaque buildup.
Besides freshening your breath, a mouthwash adds extra protection by removing bacteria. A fresh and minty taste can make you feel good. But be sure your mouthwash kills the germs that cause bad breath. Don’t just cover up the smell. Rinse daily with a good mouthwash and stop bad breath at its source.
You can also help your breath if you swish your mouth with plain water after you eat. It can get rid of food particles that get stuck in your teeth.
Try a 30-second mouthwash rinse that is alcohol-free (unlike many off-the-shelf products). Mix a cup of water with a teaspoon of baking soda (which changes the pH level and fights odour in the mouth) and a few drops of antimicrobial peppermint essential oil. Don’t swallow it! (Yields several rinses). You can also consult a dental clinic in Dubai for professional opinions about which mouth wash could be the best for you.
Get Crunchin
Raw and crunchy foods clean the teeth. Apples contain pectin, which helps control food odours and promotes saliva production. Cinnamon is antimicrobial. Active cultures in yoghurt help reduce odour-causing bacteria in the mouth.
Chew a handful of cloves, fennel seeds, or aniseeds. Their antiseptic qualities help fight halitosis-causing bacteria.
Chew a piece of lemon or orange rind for a mouth-freshening burst of flavor. (Wash the rind thoroughly first.) The citric acid will stimulate the salivary glands—and fight bad breath.
Chew a fresh sprig of parsley, basil, mint, or cilantro. The chlorophyll in green plants neutralizes odours.
Brush and floss more often
Another answer to why do I have bad breath might be, Plaque. The sticky buildup on your teeth, collects bacteria that cause bad breath. Trapped food also adds to the problem. Brush your teeth at least two times each day, and floss at least once. If you’re concerned about your breath, do both more often. Don’t overdo things, though. If you brush too hard, you can wear down your teeth, making them vulnerable to decay.
Brushing and flossing are not usually enough. The tongue is also a breeding ground for bacteria, dead cells and food debris. Use your toothbrush to brush your tongue or a tongue cleaner.
Brush your teeth for two to three minutes at least twice daily to remove plaque and food debris. It’s very important to brush your teeth before going to bed. You might try an additional round of brushing with baking soda to reduce the acidity in the mouth and make it difficult for the bacteria that cause bad breath to grow.
Flossing will remove food debris from between the teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach. If the food debris is not removed, the bacteria will feed on it, causing bad breath.
Watch what you eat
It is easy to avoid eating foods that are the main culprits of bad breath, but you must also be wary of your diet. High protein and low carbohydrate diets may be good for your health but they can cause a foul odour in your mouth. Not eating enough carbohydrates will trigger your body to burn fat instead of sugar and, therefore, cause bad breath. So get rid of bad breath by incliuding enough carbohydrates in your diet.
Scrape your tongue
To remove any residue that may be building up between the taste buds and folds in the tongue, invest in an inexpensive tool called a tongue scraper, which is available in drugstores. If you don’t have a tongue scraper, you can use your toothbrush to brush your tongue.
Moisten your mouth
A dry mouth happens when there is not enough saliva in the mouth. This usually happens when you sleep and wake up with “morning breath.” But it can occur at any time of day. Saliva is necessary to help clean your mouth and wash away food particles. Drink a lot of water throughout the day to help stimulate saliva production.
You can get tooth decay and bad breath if you don’t make enough saliva. If your mouth is dry, drink plenty of water during the day.
Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugar-free hard candy. Also try a humidifier at night to moisten the air in your house.
Quit smoking
Besides causing cancer, smoking can damage your gums, stain your teeth, and give you bad breath. Over-the-counter nicotine patches can help tame the urge. If you need a little help, make an appointment with your doctor to talk about quit-smoking programs or prescription medications that can help you give up tobacco for good.
Clean dentures or dental appliances.
If you wear a bridge or a denture, clean it thoroughly at least once a day or as directed by your dentist. If you have a dental retainer or mouth guard, clean it each time before you put it in your mouth. Your dentist can recommend the best cleaning product.
Keep your gums healthy
Gum disease causes bad breath. Bacteria gather in pockets at the base of teeth, which creates an odour. You can also opt for services like teeth cleaning in Dubai with the best professionals.
If you have gum disease, your dentist may suggest you see a periodontist who specializes in treating it.
Drink enough water
As per a research mouth dryness is a huge reason behind why do you have a bad breath. Your mouth dries out naturally while you sleep and this is why the breath is horrible when you wake up in the morning. Drinking enough water in the day helps combats this issue.
Pineapple juice
As per some doctors drinking pineapple juice after a meal or chewing a piece of pineapple will help fix bad breath issue.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a great way to get rid of bad breath after eating onion or garlic . Just add a tablespoon of ACV in a glass of water and gargle it for 30 minutes and spit it out.
Visit a Dental Hygienist
If you have already practised good oral care habits but still have bad breath, it might be time to see your dentist to check if your breath is caused by a more serious issue.
When to See a Doctor for Bad Breath?
Most causes of bad breath are due to inadequate oral hygiene and are rarely life-threatening. If good oral hygiene practices do not eliminate bad breath, see a dental hygienist. In most cases, a dentist can treat the cause of bad breath.
An individual should consult their physician for a diagnosis if they have persistent dry mouth, sores, pain with chewing or swallowing, white spots on the tonsils, fever, and any other symptoms or concerns.
Those who have bad breath, have just started a new medication, or have had recent dental surgery should consult their healthcare provider.
Bad breath in babies or young children may indicate infection or undiagnosed medical problems. Consult the child’s doctor or dentist if an infant or young child has bad breath.
A dentist opinion can help you alot and might be able to avoid the mebatrssemenrt of having bad breathe. We at American Dental Clinic provide all kinds of consultation to make your smile brighter. We offer the best cleaning services to cosmetic dentistry in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Get your appointment today for a natural and brighter smile.
Final Thoughts
Preventive care is the best way to keep your breath fresh and your teeth and gums healthy. Follow these tips to stop cavities and gum disease in their tracks.
Most of the time, bad breath can be cured and prevented with proper oral hygiene. It is rarely life-threatening, and the prognosis is good. However, bad breath may be a complication of a medical disorder that needs to be treated. Remember to see a dental hygienist in Dubai regularly — generally twice a year — to have your teeth or dentures examined and cleaned.
FAQs: Get Rid of Bad Breath
How to Get Rid of Bad Breath?
To get rid of bad breath, consider the following:
– Maintain a thorough oral hygiene routine, including brushing, flossing, and tongue cleaning.
– Use antibacterial mouth rinses or toothpaste as recommended by your dentist.
– Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugar-free candy to stimulate saliva production.
– Include raw, crunchy foods like apples to clean teeth and control odours.
Why do I have bad breath, and how can I treat it?
Bad breath can result from poor dental hygiene, dietary choices, or underlying medical conditions. To treat it:
– Maintain good oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing and flossing.
– Watch your diet, especially foods like onions and garlic, which can contribute to bad breath.
– Stay hydrated to prevent dry mouth, and consider using tongue scrapers to remove residue.
– Consult a dentist for professional advice and treatment options like cosmetic dentistry and teeth cleaning in Dubai.
What drink kills bad breath?
Green tea is a great natural remedy to combat bad breath. It contains polyphenols, which have antimicrobial properties and can help kill the bacteria responsible for foul breath.
Does hot water reduce bad breath?
Combining hot water with salt will not only help you soothe a sore throat but also prevent bad breath. Gargling helps remove the mucus and bacteria that has formed in your throat thereby preventing their ability to stick around and produce foul odors.
What fruit kills bad breath?
There are multiple fruits that can help kill bad breath such as – apple, pineapple, cherries, oranges, papaya, etc.
Further Reading:
Source –
https://www.healthline.com/health/home-remedies-for-bad-breath
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534859/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4813452/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3633265/
