Bad breath is a pretty common problem, more common than one would imagine. Some statistics suggest 1 in 4 Americans suffer from bad breath while others say 80 million Americans suffer from it.
If you or your friends have had it, you are aware of the psychological impact it can have on one’s self esteem, confidence and personal relationships.
While most people try to cover the bad breath problem with only oral hygiene solutions like gums, mouthwashes and toothpastes, most of them forget to treat the underlying cause of the bad breath.
Bad breath can be a result of a number of reasons –
- Tobacco
- Foods like garlic, onion etc
- Dry mouth
- Poor dental hygiene
- Food stuck in the mouth
So the first thing one needs to do is find if they really have a bad breath. They can do this by licking their wrist and letting the saliva dry. Once the saliva has dried, smell it. If you get a bad smell you most likely suffer from bad breath. Some bad breath may be temporary because of eating certain foods so rule out those causes to conclude if you have a permanent bad breath or halitosis.
We suggest you visit a dentist for proper diagnosis and treatment for bad breath but you can do the following before you even visit the dentist.
- Practice good oral hygiene – Brush twice a day, floss regularly and use a mouthwash.
- Drink lot of water.
- Brush your tongue also.
- Eat healthy – avoid foods like onion and garlic and sugar rich foods.
- Avoid tobacco, smoking, alcoholic beverages, coffee and colas.
- Use natural breath fresheners like parsley, basil, cilantro, mint, cloves and fennel seeds.
Fun Fact: In India, fennel seeds are offered after every meal and they are eaten to freshen the mouth.
- Regular cleanings and check ups are a must.
- If you wear dentures, make sure you take them out every night and clean them.
- Replace your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months.
- Eat raw crunchy foods like celery, apples, walnuts, carrots.
Even after trying all these if bad breath persists then it is time to see a dentist for more thorough examination. Remember to treat the cause and not just mask the symptoms. Call us – Ensure Dental Care at Saginaw, TX at 940-274-3229 for an appointment and explore our services. We accept all major insurance providers. Follow us on instagram @ensuredentalcaresaginawtx to get regular updates, offers and more.