How to Get Rid of Bad Breath

Bad breath happens to everyone. Especially in the mornings when you wake up to beautiful sunshine and a fresh new day, bad morning breath is always there to greet you. You may even find that you suddenly become conscious of that bad breath taste in your mouth at random times during the day. So if bad breath is so common, what causes it? And is there a way to get rid of bad breath?

What Causes Bad Breath

Halitosis, or bad breath, is caused by the bacteria in your mouth. The bacteria in your mouth stays alive by snacking on whatever is left behind from the things you eat. As food stuck between your teeth begins to rot from bacteria, it creates foul-smelling odors that create that terrible breath you hate. Drinks or foods with lots of sugar, garlic, onions, coffee, or alcohol are much more likely to contribute to bad breath than other foods and beverages. Bad breath can also be associated with other health issues such as gum diseases, poor oral hygiene, respiratory infections, tonsillitis, or some gastrointestinal diseases. 

What is Halitosis

Halitosis is the medical word for bad breath. In Latin, “bad breath” is exactly what halitosis translates to. Though many of us experience bad breath every once in a while, some people have a tough time finding a solution to their daily bad breath. They experience discomfort and distress due to their bad breath. When bad breath is taking a toll on a person’s life in this way, that is a sign of chronic bad breath, aka halitosis. 

How to Get Rid of Bad Breath

If you are suffering from chronic bad breath, the best thing you can do is go in to see your dentist for a professional opinion that will help you find a permanent solution. In addition to seeking professional help, there are also quite a few things you can do to get rid of bad breath tastes and smells in your mouth. 

1. The number one thing you can do to prevent or eliminate bad breath is to brush and floss your teeth! Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly will decrease opportunities that bacteria have to feast on leftovers in your mouth and create foul-smelling odors. Even brushing your tongue is a smart thing to do because that is where most of the bacteria in your mouth are found. 
2. Keep your mouth moist and hydrated. Having a dry mouth can cause bad breath. When you wake up in the morning, it is common to have bad breath due to your mouth being less moist while you sleep - especially if you sleep with your mouth open. The best way to fight a dry mouth is to keep your mouth moist and stay hydrated. Keep a water bottle with you day and night, and try chewing sugar-free gum to keep saliva circulating in your mouth.
3. Make a regular visit to the dentist. Plaque build up on your teeth is another bad breath causing source. By making your regular visits to the dentist, your oral health will be taken care of, and the chances of suffering from bad breath will decrease. 
4. Choose to eat foods that are friendly to your breath! Avoid things like sugary foods and drinks, coffee, garlic, onions, and alcohol. Because water washes away bacteria in your mouth, eating water-based foods such as carrots, cucumbers, celery, and apples is a great snack choice.

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