As they say, first impressions last. Do you really want to be remembered as the guy or girl with bad breath? Yes, we are now talking about remedies for bad breath. Halitosis is an embarrassing health problem. This is not a serious illness, but the foul odor from our mouth can be distressing. About one fourth of the world’s population suffers from bad breath.
There are different causes for bad breath. It may be a symptom of certain diseases, dental cavities, poor oral hygiene, coated tongue and gum disease. It may also be caused by the fat breakdown caused by malnutrition, dry mouth and diabetes. Infection can also affect bad breath. Sore throat, intestinal disorder, ulcers, lactose intolerance and heartburn can cause this uncomfortable condition. You can also get bad breath from the food and drinks you consume. Smokers are also more prone to bad breath.
Below are some fast fixes for bad breath and permanent remedies you can try at home.
Water
If you have bad breath due to dry mouth, the best way to remove the odor is to gargle. Find water and swish it around your mouth. This will help remove the bacteria that are sticking to the gums and tongue.
Parsley
Parsley contains germ fighting and deodorizing chlorophyll. Chewing on a fresh piece of parsley after eating can help reduce the bad breath and kill lingering bacteria in the mouth. This is best after eating. The parsley helps saliva production, enhances metabolism and lessens mouth odor from indigestion.
Orange
The citric acid in oranges can help stimulate your salivary glands. Production of new saliva will help freshen the breath. The smell of oranges will also linger in the mouth giving it a fruity aroma.
Tongue Scraping
Most of the bacteria found in our mouth are found in our teeth. Remove this odor causing bacteria by scraping the tongue. You can use a toothbrush or a spoon to scrape the tongue. After scraping, rinse off the remaining bacteria in your teeth and cheeks.
Cardamom or Dill
The contents of these spices can mask the odor caused by halitosis. Chew on these spices after meals to lessen the smell.
Regular Dental Appointments
Schedule regular dental cleaning and checkups. The dentist’s clinic may be a scary place if you had bad memories of tooth extraction as a child but going there once a month can help you prevent getting serious dental problems. Regular cleaning will also remove bacteria and stain that are hidden in the teeth.
Toothbrush and Dentures
Make sure to replace your toothbrush every two to three months. Using toothbrush for a long period of time is ill advised. The longer you keep your toothbrush, it becomes more prone to bacteria. If you wear dentures, make sure to clean them every day. People who use dentures are more prone to bad breath.
Halitosis or bad breath is often hard to detect especially for people who have become immune to the smell. The best way to determine if you have it is to have a breath test. Ask a close friend or family member to check if the odor from your mouth is constant or just appears when you eat a certain food.
