How can I get rid of bad breath?

Question

How can I get rid of bad breath?

Answer

Bad breath, or halitosis, is an issue that affects millions of people. It can be an embarrassing condition that impacts your confidence in social interactions. While occasional bad breath is normal—especially after certain foods—chronic halitosis can point to underlying health issues or poor oral hygiene habits. The good news is that there are many ways to combat it.

Common causes of bad breath are poor oral hygiene, use of certain food and drink, dry mouth, tobacco use, medical conditions and mouth infections.

Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly. The tongue can hold a lot of bacteria, especially the back part. Use a tongue scraper or your toothbrush to clean the tongue thoroughly each time you brush.

Staying hydrated keeps the mouth moist and helps to wash away food particles and bacteria. Chewing sugar free gum stimulates saliva production, which helps cleanse the mouth. Opt for sugar-free gum to avoid promoting tooth decay.

Avoiding certain foods like garlic, onions, spicy foods, and certain fish can cause bad breath. Reducing or eliminating these from your diet might help. Apples, carrots, and celery are great for keeping your mouth fresh. Their texture helps scrub the teeth and promote saliva production. Chewing on fresh herbs like parsley or mint can help mask bad breath. Green tea also contains antibacterial properties that may reduce bad breath.

Smoking or chewing tobacco not only causes bad breath but also damages gum tissue, promotes tooth decay, and increases the risk of oral cancer. Quitting will improve your breath and your overall health.

Rinsing with a mouthwash that contains antibacterial properties can help kill germs that cause bad breath. Look for mouthwashes with chlorhexidine or eucalyptus. If you need an immediate fix, breath sprays can provide a temporary solution by masking the odor. However, they are not a long-term solution.

Regular dental cleanings and exams (every 6 months) can prevent and treat gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral health issues that lead to bad breath. If you have any signs of tooth decay, gum disease, or other oral infections, consult your dentist immediately. These conditions require professional treatment to resolve.

If your bad breath persists despite good oral hygiene and lifestyle changes, consult your dentist or doctor. You may need to address an underlying health condition, such as: gum disease, sinus or respiratory issues or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).