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Tips / How to avoid bad breath (halitosis)
Filed in: Health and Fitness
Tagged with advice, tricks,bad breath, halitosis, teeth, dental, care, precautions, health, condition
Last Modified Jul 30, 2007 at 03:58 PM PDT by mjohnsonViewed 382 time(s)
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Bad breath is an unpleasant and embarassing condition that you may have but not be aware of. Here is some information about care and precautions you can take to avoid it.
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Tip #1. view
- You must remember that certain foods (garlic, onions, etc.) can lead to bad breath. Brushing, flossing and using mouthwash will only mask the smell for a short while. The bad breath will linger till the body (including bloodstream that absorbs chemicals emitting the odor) gets rid of the offending food.
- Dieting may also lead to bad breath on account of infrequent food intake.
Tip #2. view
- Particles of food get entrenched between teeth. Fine particles also get deposited on the tongue, around the gums and in the gap between the wisdom teeth and the jaw. These particles rot due to bacterial action generating an unpleasant odor.
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove food particles and plaque buildup.
- Make sure you clean your tongue as well. And, flossing (or an interdental cleaner) removes food particles that collects between teeth.
Tip #3. view
- Mouthwashes & breath freshener help mask foul breath only temporarily. Consult a dentist if you are using mouthwashes and breath fresheners constantly to hide foul breath.
- Mouth rinses with fluoride are also helpful in preventing tooth decay, plaque buildup and foul breath.
- Your dentist may on occassion prescribe using a special anti-microbial mouth rinse to combat extensive plaque build-up (an invisible layer of bacteria).
Tip #4. view
- Saliva cleanses the mouth and removes fine particles that cause bad breath. But, when the flow of saliva in the mouth reduces, it drys up the mouth (xerostomia).
- Certain medications cause dryness in the mouth as a side effect. Dry mouth may also occur due to salivary gland problems or continuous breathing through the mouth.
- Drinking more water and fluids will also increaes wetness in the mouth.
- If you have excessive dryness in the mouth, consult a dentist (who might prescribe using sugarless candy or artificial saliva for the problem.)
Tip #5. view
- Smoking can also cause bad breath. So, the best solution is to stop smoking.
Tip #6. view
- Infection in the respiratory tract, diabetes, postnasal drip, chronic bronchitis, chronic sinusitis, gastrointestinal disturbance, liver or kidney ailments can all cause bad breath.
- So, if you have bad breath despite healthy teeth and gums, you need to consult a doctor for a general check up.
Tip #7. view
- Always consult a dentist regularly.
- Constantly seek the assistance of someone close to you (e.g., spouse) to get a feedback on whether you have foul breath.
- If you are indeed having constant bad breath, keep a log of the foods you eat. You will be able to identify the cause for your bad breath.
Tip #8. view
- Sometimes periodontal (gum) disease can cause bad breath. The disease causes gum tissue to pull away from the teeth and form pockets that results in foul odor because of bacteria and plaque buildup.
- A dentist or periodontist needs to treat this disease.
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