Oral malodor or halitosis is a problem that affects many people. But what causes it, and, most importantly, what can we do to avoid having bad breath? The answers are all in our article.
Oral malodor – Countless Causes
Bad breath can be the result of a myriad of causes. Insufficient oral hygiene and fluid intake, dental, sinus and even stomach problems can be held responsible for its development. The good news is that prevention is not at all complicated, and can be easily done by following a few simple rules.
Tips and Tricks against Oral Malodor
Oral hygiene is always the first step when talking about the prevention of any dental symptom. Washing teeth twice a day, using anti-bacterial mouthwash and dental floss should be a basic daily routine to avoid bad breath. It helps to get rid of food debris in the mouth and between the teeth, which, after a certain time, starts to decompose with the help of bacteria, causing oral malodor. Scraping the tongue also adds to oral hygiene by removing bacteria from its surface.
Sufficient fluid intake is also vital to avoid bad breath. Saliva is the natural protector of the mouth against plaque acids, which cause cavities and oral malodor. By consuming lots of water or non-sugary herbal tea, saliva production is increased, and the defence of the mouth is ensured. Similarly, chewing xylitol-containing gums also stimulates saliva production, complemented by the dental protection effects of xylitol.
Avoiding food that causes oral malodor is also very important. It is common knowledge that garlic and onion are the main culprits, but only few know that they can cause bad breath even hours after consuming them. The reason is that their odor-causing molecules get into the bloodstream, making their way into the lungs, where one simply breaths them out. To decrease their effect, try chewing parsley or coffee beans, which, thanks to their odor-decreasing substances, help to get rid of bad smells.
Gum, sinus or stomach diseases are also held responsible for oral malodor. Go and see your doctor if you assume that some kind of condition causes your problems with your breath. If your teeth are decayed, they can gather food debris and lead to serious gum problems or oral infections, all causing bad breath. Therefore, get your teeth checked regularly to avoid or treat dental caries.