8 simple ways to get rid of bad breath
You feel unconfident when communicating because of bad breath? Improving your breath and keeping healthy teeth at the same time is not difficult. Only need a little attention, you can do both simultaneously, have fresh breath and also have healthy teeth. Try these 8 simple ways to get rid of bad breath!
1. Brush and floss regularly
Plaque on the teeth is where bacteria build up, causing bad breath. Trapped food can also be a cause. Brush your teeth at least twice and floss at least once a day to remove plaque and pieces of food.
Maintain this habit regularly to get the best results. However, do not overdo things. If you brush too hard, you can wear down your teeth, making them vulnerable to decay.
2. Rinse your mouth
In addition to freshening your breath, a mouthwash adds extra protection by getting rid of bacteria helping to protect teeth better. But make sure that your mouthwash is effective against the bacteria, not just the temporary smell.
Rinse your mouth with a good mouthwash everyday helps stop bad breath. You can also improve your breath by rinsing with fresh water after eating. That helps to remove food particles that are trapped between the teeth.
3. Clean your tongue
The coating that normally forms on your tongue can be a host for smelly bacteria. To get rid of them, gently brush your tongue with a toothbrush. If your brush is too big to comfortably reach the back of your tongue, try a scraper. "They're designed specifically to apply even pressure across the surface of the tongue area.
This removes bacteria, food debris, and dead cells that brushing alone can't take care of," says hygienist Pamela L. Quinones, past president of the American Dental Hygienists' Association.
4. Avoid foods that sour your breath
Garlic and onions are the "enemies" of the breath. Even brushing your teeth after eating these foods cannot help. The substances that cause their bad smells make their way into your bloodstream and travel to your lungs, where you breathe them out, says dentist Richard Price, DMD, a spokesperson for the American Dental Association.
That is why your breath has an unpleasant odor when eating these foods. What is the best way to eliminate bad breath from garlic and onions? Don't eat them, or at least avoid them before you go to work or meet friends.
5. Stop smoking
In addition to causing cancer, smoking can damage your gums, stain your teeth, and give you bad breath. Over-the-counter nicotine patches can help tame the urge. If you need a little help, make an appointment with your doctor to talk about quit-smoking programs or prescription medications that can help you give up tobacco for good.
6. Skip after-dinner mints and chew gum instead
The bacteria in your mouth love sugar. They can use sugar to make acid, which wears down your teeth and causes bad breath. Instead of eating pastries or candy after a meal, chew gum without sugar. "Gum stimulates saliva, which is the mouth's natural defense mechanism against plaque acids, which cause tooth decay and bad breath," Quinones says.
7. Keep your gums healthy
Gum disease causes bad breath. Bacteria gather in pockets at the base of teeth, which creates an odor. See your dentist if you have gum disease for suitable treatment. Daily oral care also protects the gums.
8. Moisten your mouth
You can get tooth decay and bad breath if you don't make enough saliva. If your mouth is dry, drink plenty of water during the day. Chewing sugar-free gum or sugar-free hard candy can also increase saliva. You can use a humidifier at night to moisten the air in your house, avoiding dry mouth.
Source: WebMD