Ever said hello to someone and then lived to regret starting that conversation? The response you get is blocked by the odour that hits you from the mouth of that person and can be so surprising and unexpected.
Bad breath refers to an unpleasant-smelling breath and is also known as Halitosis.
Bad breath is a very common condition and it is estimated that 1 in 4 people globally will suffer from halitosis.
Halitosis is the third most common reason that people seek dental care, after tooth decay and gum disease. Unlike “morning breath” or a strong smell that lingers after a sandwich, halitosis remains for an extended amount of time and may be a sign of something more serious.
Causes Of Halitosis
Dental issues
Mouth, nose and throat infections
Dry mouth
Smoking and tobacco
Poor dental hygiene
Fasting can cause halitosis
Below are helpful tips to help you avoid bad breath:
Brush your teeth and tongue well two to three minutes at least twice a day to remove plaque and food debris, using a fluoride toothpaste.
Floss daily
Use a mouth rinse and have a breath freshener spray readily available.
Visit your dentist regularly to detect oral diseases on time.
Quit smoking and avoid tobacco products as they dry out the mouth and may cause halitosis.
Eat a piece of sugarless candy or chew sugarless gum if you must chew gums at all. Chewing gum helps to prevent bad breathe by increasing salivation in the mouth.
Clean dentures: dentures should be cleaned as recommended on a daily basis.
Change your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months
Avoid dry mouth by drinking plenty of water
Diet: Avoid onions, garlic, spicy foods and sugary foods which are linked to halitosis.
Reduce coffee and alcohol consumption
Make the above tips a daily routine in order to have a clean breath.
Source: Guardian Newspaper
