4 Causes of Bad Breath and How to Prevent Them

Bad breath, or also known as halitosis, is an embarrassing condition characterized by unpleasant odor coming from the mouth. The unpleasant odor occurs because of odor-producing bacteria grow in the mouth. When you don’t brush your teeth regularly, this bacteria builds up on your teeth and break down proteins, producing foul-smelling sulfur compounds which cause the unpleasant smell on your mouth.

Bad breath can affect anyone of any age. Almost everyone would have short periods of bad breath at some point in their lives, and it is estimated that up to 50% of people have persistent bad breath.

There are several causes of bad breath:

Poor oral hygiene

Poor oral hygiene is the most common cause of bad breath. If you don’t brush your teeth regularly, any food particles that is trapped between your teeth will be broken down by bacteria, causing bad breath. These bacteria can also live on the rough surface of the tongue.

Prevention tips:

Brush your teeth as well as your tongue at least twice a day to remove food residue in the mouth.

The foods we eat

Certain foods, such as garlic and onions, that contain pungent oils, can lead to bad breath because the oils are carried to the lungs and come out through your mouth. Certain spices can also cause bad breath when the foods are absorbed into the bloodstream after digestion. When the blood has been transferred to the lungs, the smell of food is evident when you exhale.

Prevention tips:

Eat more crunchy fruits, like apples, carrots, guava and celery. These fruits help stimulate saliva production, so you are free of bad breath.

Dry mouth

Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a medical condition characterized by a lack of saliva in the mouth. Saliva is necessary to cleanse the mouth and prevent cavities. If you are experiencing dry mouth, bad breath may occur because the food particles remain trapped in the mouth and cause the unpleasant smell when you exhale. Dry mouth can be caused by mouth breathing or salivary gland problems. Saliva neutralize acids produced by plaque and it also get rid the bacteria that accumulate in the mouth. Without the production of saliva, these bacteria decompose and cause bad breath. Other medical conditions that can cause bad breath include bronchitis, diabetes, sinusitis, gastritis, and liver or kidney problems.

Prevention tips:

To prevent dry mouth, drink plenty of water to keep your mouth moist. Also, avoid caffeine drinks, such as coffee, tea, and sodas, as they can dry out your mouth.

Smoking

Smoking is one of the major cause of bad breath. This stops the saliva from cleansing your mouth, causing the growth of some bacteria in your mouth, which then leads to unpleasant odor on your breath. Smoking also increases your risk of gum disease, another cause of bad breath.

Prevention tips:

Stop smoking is the best ways to prevent bad breath and reduce the risk of gum disease. Learn more about how to quit smoking.

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Top 10 Home Remedies for Bad Breath

Bad breath is a common problem among many people. It can be embarrassing, especially when you’re about to snuggle with your loved one or whisper a joke to your friend.

Bad breath can be caused by many factors such as the foods we eat, smoking, and certain medical conditions like dry mouth. However, it is often results from a lack of oral hygiene. Lack of oral hygiene can leads to bad breath because when food particles stay in the mouth, they can rot and gives off a foul smell.

There are many products available to combat bad breath, but you might want to try some natural remedies as they don’t contain any chemical substances that simply cover up the problem. Below are some effective home remedies that are not only help you to get rid of bad breath, but they’re also help to keep your teeth and gums clean.

Baking Soda:

Baking soda is very effective in combating bad breath because it changes the pH level in your mouth which results in a less friendly environment for odor-causing bacteria. Simply put some baking soda on your toothbrush and brush your teeth just as you regularly do. After brushing, rinse your mouth with water. You can then floss to clean between your teeth. Do this at least once a day.

Parsley:

Parsley contains chlorophyll which is known as a natural breath deodorizer. Chewing parsley leaves will neutralize bad breath. Other than chewing it, you can also toss it in a juicer with some water and then sip it anytime to cool down your breath.

Lemon juice:

Squeezing half a lemon into a glass of water and gargling it right after meals. This is one of the best home remedies for bad breath because it leaves your mouth feeling fresh and clean.

Cardamom seeds:

Cardamom seeds have a very aromatic fragrance, making it a great home remedy for bad breath. Simply chew some cardamom seeds to get rid of bad breath.

Sunflower seeds:

Sunflower seeds also can be very helpful in eliminating bad breath. All you have to do is chew on some sunflower seeds and drink a glass of water after meals.

Fenugreek tea:

Fenugreek tea is one of the well-liked home remedies for bad breath. To make fenugreek tea, add about one teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in a half liter of water and boil it for ten-fifteen minutes. Let it cool down and drink up.

Apple cider vinegar:

Apple cider vinegar can be used as a mouthwash which provides long-lasting relief from bad breath. Add a half tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and drink it before meals, or gargle the mixture for 10 seconds after meals.

Crunchy foods:

Crunchy foods, such as apples, guavas, celery, and carrots, can help remove small food particles recesses between teeth, thus help in preventing bad breath.

Avocados:

Avocados are another great home remedies for bad breath. They help remove intestinal putrefaction or decomposition which can contribute to bad breath.

Cinnamon:

A mixture of cinnamon and honey is also an effective remedy for bad breath. Add one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder in a cup of hot water and have it first thing in the morning. This will keep your breath fresh throughout the day.

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