No one likes having smelly breath, but the reality is that we all have our bouts of bad breath from time to time, whether it be from a garlic-heavy meal or it simply has been some time since you last brushed. But for some people, bad breath is more of a regular occurrence. Also known as halitosis, bad breath is caused primarily by the bacteria that live in your mouth and break down food and proteins, and it’s these bacteria that cause bad breath. Because bad breath affects such a large majority of people, one of the most commonly asked questions is how do you get rid of bad breath?
We’ve broken down some of the top tips to help you combat bad breath and eliminate the bacteria that causes it!
Getting Rid of Bad Breath: Brush & Floss More Often
One of the easiest ways to combat bad breath is to simply brush your teeth and floss more often. Plaque, which is the sticky substance that builds up on your teeth, collects bacteria that can cause bad breath. Food that gets trapped between the teeth can also add to the issue. You should already be brushing your teeth twice a day, and flossing once, but if you’re concerned about bad breath, it might not hurt to do both a little more often. Brushing your tongue is also helpful, as bacteria harbours bacteria as well. Be careful not to brush and floss too much though, as brushing too hard can cause your teeth to wear down and become vulnerable to tooth decay.
Avoid Foods That Attribute to Bad Breath
There are certain foods, such as garlic and onions, which naturally contain high concentrations of stinky sulphur compounds, which can cause bad breath. Staying away from these foods can help combat bad breath, but you don’t have to give them up completely. If you’re planning to visit friends or attend an event, but don’t want to have to worry about bad breath, then avoiding foods like garlic and onions for a few days beforehand can help keep your breath smelling fresh! Foods that are high in sugar can also contribute to bad breath, so trying to eliminate sugar from your diet as much as possible is another great way to combat bad breath.
Rinse Your Mouth
Aside from freshening your breath, mouthwash can also add an extra layer of protection against bad breath. While mouthwash will leave your mouth feeling minty fresh, choosing one that also kills bacteria will help combat bad breath long-term. Adding mouthwash into your daily oral hygiene routine is an easy way to use mouthwash regularly, and it can help rid your mouth of any lingering food particles after brushing and flossing. Rinsing your mouth by swishing some plain water around after eating is another great way to tackle bad breath.
Stay Hydrated
In some instances, some people don’t produce as much saliva as others which can lead to dry mouth. Certain foods and beverages, such as coffee, alcohol, and sugary drinks can also contribute to dry mouth. Not only can dry mouth be annoying, but it can also cause tooth decay and bad breath. Make sure to drink plenty of water during the day to keep your mouth hydrated and run a humidifier in your home at night to help moisten the air you breathe while you sleep. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking on sugarless candy is another way to promote saliva production in your mouth and eliminate bad breath.
There is no question that bad breath is annoying, but hopefully, these tips can help set you on the right path to combating and eliminating bad breath for good!