Bad breath, or halitosis, can be caused by a number of things, including eating pungent foods, practicing poor dental hygiene, or even gum disease or other illnesses. It can be difficult to get rid of bad breath, but the first step is to identify the cause. If bad breath persists despite repeated attempts to treat the problem, it is a good idea to visit a dentist to rule out gum disease or any other underlying medical cause.
Onions and garlic are two notorious causes of bad breath, and can actually take the body days to get rid of. If bad breath occurs because of eating other foods, however, a simple solution might be to quickly brush the teeth or rinse the mouth out with water if a toothbrush is not available. Chewing on a sprig of mint or parsley may also help you to get rid of bad breath.
If bad breath seems to be a daily or regular problem, there are other options. Stepping up your dental hygiene is one way to get rid of bad breath. Brush the teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush in a circular motion; you may also brush once after lunch. Dentists generally recommend brushing for approximately two minutes per session. Setting a small timer may help.
Floss once a day to remove stuck food particles from between the teeth. This can turn to plaque and cause odor and cavities. If the tongue appears to have a white coating on it, using a tongue scraper daily may help get rid of this. This white coating is usually a combination of bacteria and food particles that can cause bad breath, and treating it is a great way to help.
Some people also use mouthwash to get rid of bad breath. Do not use mouthwash more than once or twice a day, however, particularly those containing alcohol. These can dry out the mouth and cause an overgrowth of unhealthy bacteria. Dry mouths in general are a source of bad breath, so one way to help get rid of bad breath is by staying hydrated and drinking enough water throughout the day.
Remember to visit the dentist every six months for a full cleaning. The dentist will be able to tell you if you have the beginnings of gum disease or cavities. He or she may also be able to recommend other treatments to get rid of bad breath.
