If there is one thing guaranteed to make you feel self-conscious, it’s bad breath, also known as halitosis. There are a number of reasons why you might be suffering from this, from poor dental hygiene to something you ate. It can even denote there is something medically wrong with you.
The fact is, whether your bad breath is chronic or short-term, it’s something you should get checked out, just in case it’s a symptom of something much more serious. If it’s not, there are a number of things you can do yourself to help you get past it. Read on to find out more.
See The Dentist
The main cause of bad breath is poor oral hygiene. If you don’t brush your teeth enough – or at all – the bacteria in your mouth will build-up, and this will start to smell. The same is true if you have any kind of underlying periodontal disease. If you ignore the issue, it won’t go away on its own, and not only will you still have bad breath, but you’ll have painful teeth and gums, and you might even lose your teeth in the most extreme cases.
Therefore, if you have chronic bad breath, it’s a sign you should see your dentist. They will be able to determine exactly what the cause is, and whether that means a visit to the hygienist or you need tooth colored fillings in Colorado Springs, the solution will be found. If it’s not a dental issue, you can then see your doctor for more help.
Brush And Floss
It’s absolutely crucial that you brush your teeth at least twice a day (ideally after every meal, although this isn’t always possible at lunchtime) and that you do it for at least two minutes each time. A quick brush isn’t going to help you get the worst of the dirt and bacteria off your teeth, and your bad breath may not be cured this way. Brush thoroughly, and if you can invest in an electric toothbrush, this is an excellent idea – these are designed to brush much more deeply than a manual toothbrush can.
On top of brushing your teeth, you should also floss them. Many people ignore this element of their own dental care because it takes time, and if you’re brushing in the morning, you’re probably in a rush to get on with your day, and if you’re brushing at night, you’re likely to want to get to bed. However, you must make time to floss after brushing if you truly want to take care of your teeth and eliminate bad breath forever.
Adjust Your Diet
If your bad breath is not a symptom of another illness if you’re brushing and flossing correctly, and if you see your dentist regularly, then it is likely your diet causing the bad breath rather than anything else. If this is the case, you’ll need to adjust your diet to ensure you can reduce or eliminate your halitosis problem.
There are some foods that will obviously affect how your breath smells, such as garlic, onions, and spicy food. However, it might surprise you to find that people with lots of sugar in their diets often suffer from bad breath. Try to cut down on sugar if you can; it’s healthier for you in every way, including your halitosis issue.
