Bad breath, also known as Halitosis, can embarrass you, make you feel uncomfortable, and discourage people from wanting to get close to you. It’s often caused by tooth decay, gum disease, or dry mouth. Although bad breath is common and might not be serious, it can still affect your quality of life. Here are some tips on how to get rid of bad breath.
Identify the Root Cause
Bad breath can be a symptom of a number of conditions, from bacteria in the mouth to a dry mouth due to medications. And it’s not just humans that suffer from stinky breath. Dogs and other animals can also have halitosis. In order to get rid of bad breath, you need to identify the cause first.
Causes of Bad Breath
Bad breath can be caused by several conditions. To get rid of bad breath, it’s important to first identify the cause of the odor.
Bad breath is often due to:
- Bacteria and tartar build-up
- Oral diseases like gingivitis, periodontitis, or tooth decay
- Dry mouth
- Foods like onions and garlic
- Alcohol
- Medications like antibiotics and steroids
- Mouthwash and mouthwash additives
- Smoking
Home Remedies for Bad Breath
You can try to get rid of bad breath at home. Some popular methods are:
Brush and Floss Regularly
Brushing and flossing regularly is the best way to keep bacteria away from your mouth and gums. Be sure to brush twice a day and floss at least once a day. Proper dental care can help prevent bad breath.
Eat Water-Rich Foods
Our diet plays a very important role in oral health, so it’s important that you eat water-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and freshwater that can help maintain your mouth’s pH balance.
Limit Your Intake of Alcohol, Onions, and Garlic
These foods can cause bad breath since they tend to stay longer in the mouth than other kinds of food. Also, alcohol is known to dry out the mouth which can lead to bad breath.
Use a Tongue Scraper
A tongue scraper will help you remove bacteria on the tongue. If you want to keep your breath fresh, use a tongue scraper twice a day or before bedtime. You can also soak it in mouthwash for added effectiveness.
Ways a Dentist Can Help Treat Bad Breath
Sometimes, it will take help from a dentist to get rid of bad breath.
Some strategies your dentist can use include:
Schedule Regular Dental Cleanings
Your dentist can clean your teeth, treat cavities, and remove plaque and tartar if they build up. In addition to cleaning your teeth, they can also help you identify any other possible causes of bad breath. Regular dental visits are essential in treating bad breath.
See a Specialist
Your dentist might recommend that you see a specialist or a physician if you have a more serious case of bad breath. A specialist or a physician might prescribe medications to cure or treat underlying conditions. If you want to be treated for bad breath, you should see a specialist or a physician.
Use Dentist-Approved Dental Products
Your dentist might recommend that you use certain products to help treat bad breath. Dentists can prescribe antimicrobial mouthwash, toothpaste, and other treatments to help improve your oral health and your body’s overall health. If you want to get rid of your bad breath, ask your dentist what the best treatment is for you. Bad breath is not life-threatening, but it can affect your quality of life.
Want To Get Rid of Bad Breath? Eriks Dental Group Can Help
If you suffer from bad breath, you can deal with it. You just need to know some basic tricks such as brushing and flossing regularly and eating certain foods which can help eliminate bad breath. If you want to get rid of your bad breath, schedule an appointment with a dentist in Boynton Beach. Contact Eriks Dental Group today.