- SHOWCASE
Combating Bad Breath: Practical Tips for Prevention and Remedies That Work
Do you experience bad breath on a regular basis?
The good news is that not all hope is lost. It is possible to employ a kaleidoscope of tried-and-tested techniques if you finally want to experience a “breath of fresh air”. Let’s quickly examine some of the reasons why your breath might be less than pleasant before discussing what steps can be taken.
What Causes Bad Breath?
Bad breath is clinically known as halitosis, and we will be using this term interchangeably throughout the remainder of the article. So, what are some of the primary scenarios that can eventually lead to halitosis?
The symptoms (as well as the odours themselves) stem from an accumulation of bacteria within the mouth. Some species of bacteria produce chemicals referred to as volatile sulphur compounds. Examples include hydrogen sulfide and dimethyl sulfide.
These bacteria can be present within the mouth, upon the surface of the tongue, and even in the throat. There are likewise specific conditions that can increase your chances of developing less-than-pleasant breath. Some of the most common include:
- Habits that contribute to a dry mouth such as smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol
- Certain medications
- Oral health conditions including gingivitis, gum disease, and tooth abscesses
- Chronic respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis and sinusitis
- Issues associated with the digestive system; GERD being the most common
- Seemingly unrelated diseases including diabetes and problems with the liver
While the underlying causes are indeed varied, the same holds true when discussing the ways in which you can begin to alleviate the symptoms of halitosis. Let’s now examine some powerful options to evaluate.
How Can This Condition be Treated?
The exact treatment protocol will often depend on the severity of the halitosis itself. There are nonetheless a handful of approaches that have proven to be quite effective.
Professional Techniques
It can be argued that the best way to encounter relief is to schedule an appointment with your dentist. He or she will first evaluate the situation before offering a handful of powerful solutions.
For instance, scaling and root planing have been proven to treat the symptoms of gingivitis (as well as halitosis that may also be present). Bacteria might also be removed through a process known as debridement (the surface of the tongue is scraped; ablating any bacteria that may be present).
You could also be prescribed specific types of mouthwashes specifically formulated to mitigate the symptoms of halitosis.
Lifestyle Modifications
What if your halitosis is found to be caused by specific habits that you have developed over time? In this scenario, a handful of lifestyle changes can make all of the difference in the world. One practical solution involves making it a point to brush and floss your teeth every day.
It might also be wise to purchase a mouthwash infused with zinc, as this element has been shown to eliminate the bacteria responsible for halitosis. Other tips and tricks include:
- Using an at-home tongue scraper
- Avoiding tobacco and alcohol (both leading to dry mouth)
- Modifying your diet to avoid foods that may lead to odours (such as garlic and certain spices)
- Regularly cleansing your dentures
- Chewing sugar-free gum, as this can help the mouth produce saliva
Note that all the suggestions mentioned above can be used in combination with one another. As a result, you might very well be able to eliminate bad breath without the need for professional intervention (this will nonetheless be discussed a bit later).
All-Natural Remedies
Some individuals have claimed that the regular use of natural supplements can produce desirable outcomes. One common practice is to rinse your mouth out with essential oils (such as myrtle and eucalyptus). The theory here is that these substances are imbued with antibacterial properties. This technique is referred to as “oil pulling”.
If you are instead interested in herbal remedies, there are plenty of options available on the open market. Chewing on substances including peppermint and rosemary can help to freshen your breath without the use of harsh and/or artificial chemicals.
When Might In-Depth Intervention be Necessary?
There may nonetheless be incidences when you are unable to manage the symptoms of bad breath. Certain types of halitosis can result from underlying medical conditions such as infected adenoids or gastrointestinal reflux disease (this was mentioned earlier).
In such situations, specific medications could provide the results that you have been looking for. In the event that a physical cause has been determined, surgery could also represent a viable option.
Stopping Halitosis in Its Tracks
In the vast majority of cases, halitosis tends to be transient in nature. However, issues could still arise if you happen to note foul odours that persist for a long period of time, or happen to become worse. These may be signals that another problem is present.
It is therefore a good idea to schedule an appointment with your dentist or oral hygiene specialist if the symptoms persist more than a few weeks. This will enable you to obtain an accurate diagnosis, and to possibly rule out other causes.
The prospect of living with bad breath for an inordinate period of time is far from attractive. If any of the situations highlighted above sound familiar, never hesitate to speak with your healthcare professional. There are many remedies to evaluate, and you should be pleased with the final results.
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