KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Bad breath usually starts with bacteria from food particles left in your mouth, which is why brushing, flossing, and tongue cleaning matter.
- Some odors are diet-driven. Garlic and onions linger until they fully pass through your body, so no amount of brushing fixes them in the moment.
- Stay hydrated and keep saliva flowing. Water and xylitol gum both flush and limit odor-causing bacteria.
- Smoking, tobacco, and certain medications can all cause bad breath. Check with your pharmacist about your prescriptions.
- Twice-yearly cleanings keep halitosis in check by treating the decay, abscesses, and gum issues that fuel it.
Everyone can agree that bad breath is a major turn-off
Whether it’s your co-worker, your romantic partner, or the teller at your local bank, bad breath is not something people forget. Being on the receiving end is bad enough; learning YOU’RE the perpetrator can be simply mortifying. So, what can you do about bad breath? There are several DIY fixes you can try at home to remedy this common hygienic offense.
Causes of Bad Breath
First, let’s discuss why bad breath happens in the first place. If you know what’s causing your bad breath (formally known as halitosis), you can put an end to it at the source. Anything from poor dental hygiene to your dietary choices could be to blame. All the brushing and flossing in the world won’t truly get rid of bad breath stemming from the consumption of strong-odor foods like garlic and onions.
The breakdown of food begins in your mouth, then moves down your esophagus to go through more complicated digestion processes. The bacteria left in your mouth comes from remaining food particles, which is why it’s so important to brush and floss a couple of times daily — ideally three. Reduce bacteria by also using an antibacterial mouth rinse, advises WebMD. As said above, though, the true source of the odor won’t go away until it has completely passed through your body. So, eat strong foods containing garlic and onion sparingly if bad breath is an issue.
DIY Tips
To get rid of bad breath on your own, here are some helpful tips:
- Brush in the morning and at night, and after your mid-day meal if possible. Don’t neglect the tongue, which is where a lot of the bacteria gathers. Replace your toothbrush every couple of months or after illness.
- Remove dentures at night and thoroughly clean them before placing them back in the next day. Same goes for retainers.
- Drink a lot of water to keep the bacteria flushed away.
- Always keep some sugar-free chewing gum on hand to stimulate the production of saliva. Look for gums and mints that have xylitol.
- Avoid foods with strong odors.
- Avoid smoking and chewing tobacco.
- Make a list of the prescriptions you take and ask your pharmacist if any of them cause bad breath.
- Visit the dentist for a cleaning twice a year. Getting tooth decay, gum abscesses, and abscessed teeth treated right away will prevent halitosis from getting out of control.
- Chew on some parsley after a meal, as this herb contains chlorophyll which freshens breath.
- Place a few drops of natural oils such as tee tree or peppermint on your tongue or on your toothbrush, as these oils contain antibacterial properties.
- Use antiseptic mouthwash to eliminate bacteria in the mouth.
- Ask your dentist and doctor for further tips.
Fresh breath starts with a healthy mouth.
Most bad breath traces back to bacteria, decay, or gum trouble that home remedies can’t fully reach. North Andover dental care from Dr. Gary C. Demetriou, DMD gets to the root of it, so you’re not just masking the problem.
Due for a checkup? A professional teeth cleaning is one of the best defenses against chronic bad breath.
Call 978-794-0010 or book online. Serving North Andover, Andover, Lawrence, and Methuen.