Trust me when I say, halitosis AKA Bad Breath, is an embarrassing condition to have. Most times, the people around someone with such condition wouldn't tell them (I'm guilty) because they would want to spare that person the embarrassment but this doesn't help the situation and only makes the condition worse because if people don't know what's wrong with them, they cannot solve the problem. Most times I still wonder if they really don't know what's wrong with them.
Well, we know this is a sensitive topic that takes a lot of bravery to discuss with the other person, but it would be nice to leave tips so we can all help ourselves avoid it now or in the future.
It's actually easy to improve your Breath and keep your teeth and gums healthy at the same time. Oral health is an important part of our well being.
To help you maintain that winning smile and confidence that comes with having fresh breath, you must be ready to give your Mouth the attention it needs.
Trying these simple steps below will surely make your mouth feel fresh and clean all day long:
1. Brush and floss frequently:
One of the ways bacteria build up in the mouth is through plaque, which is the sticky substance that accumulates on the teeth. Bacteria can also build up over time when food gets trapped within your teeth. To solve this problem, brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss at least once. If you're concerned about your breath, do both a little more often. However, don't overdo it because brushing too much or hard can wear down your teeth and make them vulnerable to decay. You can also try rinsing your mouth immediately after eating to remove leftovers.
2. See a dentist every 6 months:
Brushing and flossing do not eliminate all the dirt from your mouth so visit a dentist regularly!
Dentists can thoroughly clean your teeth, and check for cavities, plaque and any other dental issues that need to be addressed.
3. Don't forget the tongue:
The back of the tongue is the most notorious culprit for housing smelly bacteria that cause bad breath so its advisable to brush it as well. A toothbrush might be uncomfortable but there are tongue scrapers designed to clean the tongue and remove bacteria, food debris, and dead cells that brushing alone cant take care of.
4. Rinse with mouthwash:
Other than the fresh, minty feeling it leaves in your mouth, the mouthwash adds an extra layer of oral protection by getting rid of the bacteria your toothbrush cant reach. Be sure to use the ones that actually do the job well. When your mouthwash is out of reach, you can still keep your breath fresh by rinsing your mouth with plain water after eating to remove food particles that get stuck in your teeth.
5. Watch what you eat:
We know some food items, as healthy as they are, can end up leaving our mouth smelly.
Onions and garlic are big offenders and sadly, brushing after you eat them doesn't help. This is because when broken down, the smelly substances enter their way into your bloodstream and travel to your lungs, where you breathe them out. Just try to avoid them whenever you're going to be out or around people.
6. Limit sodas, coffee and alcohol:
Although these beverages contain a high level of phosphorous, which is a necessary mineral for a healthy mouth, too much of it can deplete the body's level of calcium and cause dental hygiene problems. So try as much as you can to limit your intake of soda, coffee and alcohol.
7. Chew sugar-free gum:
If you have a sweet tooth and eat a lot of sugary foods, make sure you brush your teeth well after eating. Sugar is bacteria's best friend because they use it to make the acid that wears down your teeth and causes bad breath. However, chewing gum stimulates saliva production, which is the mouths natural defense mechanism against the plaque acids which cause tooth decay and bad breath. Hence, you should stick to sugar-free gums.
8. Get regular calcium and vitamin D:
Calcium is important for strong teeth and it is available in our dairy products and nuts. Try to include this in your diet regularly to improve your teeth's health. To absorb calcium, our body also needs Vitamin D so try to get some sun too.
9. Don't smoke (or simply quit smoking):
Tobacco smoking causes cancer, damages gums, stains the teeth and also gives you bad breath.
Breath mints and gum cannot do much so to avoid the long-term health risks as well as help keep your mouth feeling fresh; it is recommended that smoking should be avoided altogether.
10. Stay hydrated:
Dryness in the mouth can cause tooth decay and bad breath because you wont be making enough saliva. If your mouth is dry, drink plenty of water and don't wait till you feel tasty before drinking water during the day.
Having fresh breath is a big deal because it is good for your oral health and don't forget self-esteem. A lot of us want strong teeth and bright smiles we can flash anywhere.
You wouldn't want to make people around you uncomfortable when you talk. If your bad breath continues despite all your efforts, make an appointment with a doctor to see if your problems are related to a medical condition. Then you would be given another option.
