Bad breath, also known as Halitosis, is an embarrassing health condition. It affects around 30% of people all around the world. This condition is also prominent by the names fetor oris, ozostomia and stomatodysodia. Though regular checkups and dentist visits are crucial to maintain healthy mouth, but there are several things you can do at home to fight off bad breath. We have clubbed below a list of things that you can do at your home to prevent bad breath.
Hydrate yourself- One of the easiest steps you can take to curb the problem of bad breath is to drink enough water. Odor causing bacteria can develop in your mouth, when your mouth does not have enough moisture to produce saliva. Use of certain medications can also deprive of moisture from the mouth. Therefore, keep drinking water so that there is enough moisture to produce saliva.
Keep your tongue clean– Cleaning your tongue is extremely important to fight off halitosis or bad breath. Increase of halitosis causing compounds can take place when your tongue is not clean. It can result in emitting unpleasant sulfur like smell. Use good toothbrush or a tongue cleaner that can provide you complete protection.
Use Baking Soda– Brushing your teeth with baking soda at least once in a week will help neutralizing the bacteria that cause bad breath. Baking soda can also be used as a mouthwash. You can dissolve half teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water. Take a sip; swish it around the teeth and gum.
Eat Healthy– Certain foods such as garlic and raw onion can cause bad breath. However, by avoiding acidic and foods rich in high-fructose can also cut down bad breath too. These foods enhance the production of bacteria and bad breath. You should eat foods that can increase the production of saliva in the mouth such as dark green vegetables, fruits and whole grains, etc.
Avoid Smoking– Smoking or chewing tobacco is certainly one of the reasons that can cause bad breath. Smoking causes the breath of the smoker to retain the smell of tobacco smoke. Smoking is also associated with gum diseases and more serious diseases such as cancer. Quitting smoking will help you maintain oral hygiene and healthier mouth.
Consume green tea– Consuming green tea can eliminate sulfur compounds, because it is rich in polyphenols which reduces bacteria. Green tea contains anti-oxidants that help in fighting against bacteria in the mouth. We suggest sipping green tea if you suffer from bad breath.
All these tips can help you fighting against bad breath. Additionally, you should also make it to the point to visit dentist for regular check-ups. All these things are necessary to maintain good oral hygiene.