Bad breath can have a negative effect on your self-confidence and relationships. Halitosis, as it is medically called, can be symptomatically treated with mouthwash or mints, but these are short-term solutions. Chronic bad breath is primarily caused by lack of dental hygiene and underlying health problems.
Lack of dental hygiene
Proper dental hygiene relies on good habits. Brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day will clean your mouth and remove the bacterial growth and food particles that cause bad breath. Rinse your mouth with antibacterial mouthwash or hydrogen peroxide afterward to clean your mouth and freshen your breath.
Make sure that you pay your dentist a visit every 3 or 4 months to get a professional clean-up. If you smoke, use a toothpaste that is specifically formulated to remove tobacco stains from your teeth as this can also be a source of bad breath. Of course, it is best to quit smoking altogether.
Health conditions
Gum conditions can be prevented with proper dental habits. When there is a bacteria build-up on your teeth, it can form toxins and cause problems with your gums. When your bad breath persists despite vigorous rinsing and brushing, you may have gum disease. Pay a visit to your dentist to get rid of plaque and bacteria and to disinfect your mouth completely.
Dry mouth, or xerostomia, can also cause bad breath. One of the functions of saliva is to remove the dead cells from your mouth that cause odors. There are many causes of dry mouth, including salivary gland problems and the use of certain medications. Other health problems that can cause bad breath are chronic acid reflux, bronchitis, or sinus infections.
If changes in your dental care do not cure your halitosis, pay a visit to your physician to discuss the possibility of underlying health problems.
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