There is morning breath and then there is bad breath, that persistent and embarrassing smell that sometimes not even mouthwash can fight off. But even though it is a daily struggle for many people, there are things you can do to avoid it. Today, we’re going to teach you how to fight bad breath in five easy steps. From brushing your teeth and using a tongue scraper regularly to making sure you have a quality diet, these steps will help you keep your breath fresh and clean.
1. What causes bad breath?
At the root of bad breath is the build up of bad bacteria which naturally live in the mouth. This bad bacteria feeds on leftover food material and sugars in the mouth that produce a foul-smelling by-product. One of the most common types of bacteria responsible for causing bad breath is called Streptococcus mutans. This type of bacteria thrives in the mouth and causes bad breath by producing hydrogen sulfide. Another type of bacteria called Prevotella causes bad breath by producing acetone and ammonia, which cause a foul smell. In addition, there are a number of fungi that can live in the mouth and cause bad breath.
2. How to fight bad breath
There are several actions you can take to fight your bad breath, and all require cutting down on the amount of bacteria in the mouth. Experts recommend properly cleaning your teeth and tongue at home as well as visiting the dentist regularly. This means brushing your teeth at least twice per day, flossing at least once per day, and regularly using mouthwash and a tongue scraper. Experts agree that to fight bad breath, it is critical to not only clean the teeth and gum area using your toothbrush, but also to clean your tongue. The easiest and most effective way to clean your tongue is by using a tongue scraper. In terms of the order, dentists recommend brushing your teeth first because brushing your teeth and rinsing your mouth will often loosen everything that is on your gums and tongue. Next, using your tongue scraper, you should very gently scrape down and off your tongue. The tongue is not smooth, but instead like a shaggy carpet. The bottom of these little shaggy pieces is where bacteria tend to hang out. If you have a thick coating on your tongue, it may take between two and three weeks to completely remove it. In addition, it is a common misconception that you want to brush your teeth and scrape your tongue really hard to remove more debris and bacteria. However, this is not the case. It is recommended to use a soft bristle to gently remove the bacteria without stripping the enamel. If you are still having a hard time fighting bad breath, speak to your dentist about a mouthwash prescription.
3. How to prevent bad breath
Bad breath is a common problem and it can be quite embarrassing if you don’t know how to prevent it. Below are some tips on how to prevent bad breath.
- Brush your teeth and use your Gunkii! Brushing your teeth and cleaning your tongue are the best ways to prevent bad breath. Regular brushing and tongue scraping will help remove any food particles, bacteria, and other harmful substances that could lead to bad breath.
- Flossing is also a great way to prevent bad breath. Flossing removes the food particles and bacteria between your teeth that can cause bad breath.
- Eating a variety of healthy foods. A nutritious diet which includes fresh fruits and vegetables and is low in refined sugar can help prevent the build-up of bacteria and food particles in your mouth.
- Drinking water. Staying hydrated will help keep your mouth moist and will prevent the buildup of bacteria and food particles in your mouth.
4. Conclusion.
There are many different things you can do to prevent bad breath. If you are not sure what is causing your bad breath, dentists agree that there are a number of causes that stand out. It can be caused by: 1. Eating too many onions, garlic, or spicy foods 2. Eating an unhealthy and unbalanced diet 3. Not keeping your teeth, gums or tongue clean enough 4. Smoking 5. Drinking too much alcohol. Overall, to prevent and treat bad breath, the best thing to do is to brush your teeth twice a day, floss, and use a tongue scraper and mouthwash.
References
1. Halitosis (Bad Breath): What It Is, Causes & Treatment. (n.d.). Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved 5 August 2022, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17771-bad-breath-halitosis
2. Milliner-Waddell, L. K., Jenna. (2021, June 10). The Best Bad-Breath Remedies, According to Dentists. The Strategist. https://nymag.com/strategist/article/best-bad-breath-treatments.html
3. Bad breath. (2018, October 3). Nhs.Uk. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bad-breath/