Generally speaking, the best way to permanently end bad breath is by having a good dental hygiene routine. That includes: Brushing your teeth after every meal. Flossing your teeth at least twice per day.
Mouthwashes that contain antibacterial agents cetylpyridinium chloride (Cepacol), chlorhexidine (Peridex) or hydrogen peroxide are effective. Closys, a toothpaste, mouthwash, and oral spray hygiene system is another option. These products kill the germs that cause bad breath and freshen your breath.
However, many people may be too embarrassed to ask a loved one if the problem needs to be addressed. Another possible reason is our natural inability to actually smell our own breath, caused by an opening in the back of the mouth behind the soft palate, called the pharynx, which connects it to the nose.
Black tea is one of the best drinks for controlling bad breath. It's rich in polyphenols, which work double time to keep your breath smelling great. First, they inhibit the growth of foul-smelling bacteria, and second, they reduce the rate at which the bacteria in your mouth produce unpleasant odors.
But bad breath that doesn't go away (chronic halitosis) could mean you have an oral health issue or a condition that's affecting another part of your body. Halitosis is a symptom of many different conditions. In other words, it's like a warning message from your body.
To detect halitosis, the tongue is wiped with a cotton swab. For periodontal risk assessment, the subgingival plaque is obtained with a curette. To evaluate, the samples are placed on the BANA test strip, which is then inserted into a slot on a small toaster-sized incubator.
A course of an antibiotic, effective against anaerobic bacteria (such as metronidazole, to reduce the overgrowth of sulphur-producing bacteria), may also help. Speak to your dentist, doctor or chemist to identify the cause of your halitosis and to find the most effective treatment for you.
The rotten egg smell comes from the breakdown of microbes that live in your digestive system. It may be as simple as addressing acid reflux with an over the counter antacid or with a stronger medication if it is more persistent.
The genera Lactobacillus, Streptococcus and Weissella are among the most useful probiotics for the prevention or treatment of halitosis in the oral cavity.
Poor dental hygiene.
If you don't brush and floss daily, food particles remain in your mouth, causing bad breath. A colorless, sticky film of bacteria (plaque) forms on your teeth. If not brushed away, plaque can irritate your gums and eventually form plaque-filled pockets between your teeth and gums (periodontitis).
Your dentist may suggest a low dose of an antibiotic called doxycycline (brand name Vibramycin). If you have really bad breath that doesn't improve with treatment, your dentist may prescribe an antibiotic called metronidazole (Flagyl).
Honey's antibacterial properties help to fight bad breath. Mix a spoonful with a squeeze of lemon juice and take twice daily on an empty stomach.
Halitosis is the medical name for bad breath. Bad breath is normal when you wake up, and generally disappears after you clean your teeth. If bad breath continues throughout the day, it may be a sign of a dental or other health condition.
Gargle with salt water.
The classic combination of warm water and salt doesn't just soothe a sore throat—it can also combat bad breath. That's because gargling with warm salt water helps remove mucus and bacteria from the back of the throat, thereby preventing their ability to stick around and produce foul odors.
Getting older also makes us more likely to have dry mouths, which can contribute to bad breath. Decreased saliva production allows food particles, debris, and bacteria to linger around the teeth and gums and produce a noticeable odor.
According to Web MD, pears, apples, celery, carrots, and cucumbers help with saliva production acting as a bacteria rinse. Berries, oranges, melons and other fruits that are loaded with Vitamin C, which can also combat bad breath and help fight gum disease.
Try squeezing some lemon juice into a glass of water and drinking it first thing when you wake up. If you're out to eat, grab a lemon wedge to chew on, or stash an orange in your bag or at the office as an emergency breath-saving snack.
Almost everyone experiences bad breath once in a while. But for some people, bad breath is a daily problem, and they struggle to find a solution. Approximately 30% of the population complains of some sort of bad breath.
Halitosis is the formal name for bad breath. And if you suffer from this common issue, you know how embarrassing it can be. But the good news about bad breath is that it's completely reversible, as long as you know how to handle it.