Everyone has bad breath on occasion especially after eating foods with strong odors like onion, garlic or fish. A simple brush of the teeth and tongue and a quick rinse with mouthwash may be all that’s needed to eliminate the odor and create a fresh clean scent. Halitosis is more than simple bad breath caused by eating smelly sardines. Halitosis refers to a chronic foul odor emitted from the mouth that does not go away by brushing the teeth or taking a breath mint.
Between 50 and 80 million American suffer from halitosis, unfortunately, many are not aware of the condition. Olfactory cells in the nose become accustomed to our own smell, which includes the odor associated with Halitosis, to allow us to smell things around us. Without this adaptation, we would not be able to smell flowers in bloom, the aroma of fresh baked bread or the warning signs of smoke or other harmful chemicals. For the person with Halitosis, this adaptation prevents them from detecting the odor from their own mouth and remains unaware of the problem until some kind soul alerts them.
Fortunately, the major cause of halitosis originates in the mouth itself and can be eliminated with proper oral hygiene practices.
Treat canker sores or other ulcers to prevent the build up of bacteria that can cause odors contributing to halitosis. Over the counter medications for canker sores are quite effective, but if you are not successful, seek the advice of a doctor. He will examine the sore and prescribe appropriate measures for handling them.
Treat excessive dry mouth with mouthwashes designed to moisturize your mouth. Dry mouth, often seen as side effect from certain medications can contribute to Halitosis. Drink plenty of water to keep the mouth moist. Seek the advice of a doctor if dry mouth persists, as it may be a sign of other conditions.
Brush your teeth at least two times a day, three to four times is preferable. Observe proper techniques, brushing in a circular motion for 3 to 4 minutes to remove bacteria and prevent halitosis.
Floss daily to remove plaque that brushing alone does not remove. Bacteria thrive in plaque and are a major contributor to halitosis.
Scrub your tongue, reaching as far back as possible, for at least one minute each time you brush your teeth. Plaque and bacteria thrive on the tongue as well as the teeth. Removing bacteria assist in preventing halitosis.
Visit your dentist regularly for dental cleaning and to assess the presence of gum disease. Bacteria trapped beneath the gum line causes odors that are not removed by brushing.
Avoid food that are high in carbohydrates like sugary drinks and snacks or starchy foods like potatoes, pasta, breads and other refined sweets. Carbohydrates left on the teeth create the perfect environment for bacteria, which in turn causes a foul odor. Brush your teeth after eating snacks to remove any traces of carbohydrates in the mouth.
Use mouthwash containing chlorine dioxide. This chemical kills the bacteria responsible for halitosis odor.
Seek the advice of a medical professional if your efforts in preventing halitosis are unsuccessful. Halitosis may be a symptom of other serious medical conditions that require treatment.
Sources:
GITRACT.Preventing Halitosis. gitract.info/articles/mouth/bad-breath-halitosis/preventing-bad-breath.php
Kelley Colihan.Mouth Washes Really Do Fight Bad Breath.medinenetcom
