Good Advice In Keeping Your Breath Fresh

I think we have all had the unpleasant experience of saying no to some of our favorite foods, spices, fish meals because of the fear of halitosis or bad breath. Most of us keep gum with us at all times, especially if we are on a date or about to meet someone special. But is that really the only solution?

The Causes Of Discomfort

Certain foods, after being ingested, get absorbed through the bloodstream and get into the lungs, where they evaporate. This results in unpleasant odors, that last only a few hours, and then stop. And what are these foods? None other than the enemy of all dates: onions and their ilk.

Chronic occurrence of bad breath, i other words, true halitosis is a result of food debris getting caught between the teeth and under the gum line, and causing an awful reek through decaying. The plaque that forms is an ideal place for bacteria to live, which cause more stench. But inadequate oral hygiene can cause bad breath just as much as smoking, and certain stomach and kidney problems can.

It is quite rare, but xerostomia, or chronic dryness of the mouth, can also cause the problems mentioned above. Alcoholism, diabetes, drug addiction as well as more natural causes like diseases of the salivary glands, breathing through the mouth, and certain medications can also be the problems that cause this symptom. The problem is that xerostomia causes problems in producing saliva, which leads to further, more pathological problems. Saliva causes natural lubrication, which helps the mouth to clean itself and fight bacteria. Without this lubricant, it cannot do so.   

It is very important to note that if you feel that you have chronic bad breath you must go and see a dentist immediately, because this may mean that there are greater problems afoot.

Excellent Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is indispensable in preventing bad breath. You should brush at least twice a day, but if possible, after every meal. BUt brushing is only effective if you have a proper toothbrush, and use correct tooth brushing techniques. Don’t forget to brush your tongue as well, because bacteria love to live on it, and many times the source of the unpleasant smells originates on the tongue. Bad teeth and swollen gums can also make your breath foul, and those can be prevented with regular visits to the dentist for check ups!  

Proper Hydration

In order to prevent the drying out of the mouth, and to ensure adequate saliva production, all you need to do is chew sugar free gum and drink 2 liters of liquid a day. Rinse your mouth out after you eat, to remove food debris. Be wary of mouthwash though! An alcohol based mouthwash will further dry your mouth out, and can only deal with bad breath for an hour or so.

Eat this, not that!

Certain vegetables can help prevent calculus and plaque from forming. Eating these veggies can thus help us in fighting bad breath and the causes of bad breath. For an afternoon snack, you should choose some celery or a carrot instead of chocolate. Parsley and other leafy greens have high levels of chlorophyll, which is a natural breath freshener. You should eat plenty of these! Peppermint and tea tree are mildly antibiotic, and thus also freshen the breath. Put a drop on your toothbrush before brushing.

if you are going to a meeting, don’t eat garlic or onions of any sort, and don’t drink caffeine or alcohol before hand, as these chemicals will dry your mouth out.  

Secret Ingredients

Sodium bicarbonate neutralizes odors, including bad breath, and has been sued for a long time, and is completely safe to use. Hydrogen peroxide also does likewise, and dentists use this chemical as well. Add a little water, make a mouthwash, and use that to kill bacteria in your mouth.

images: 1.