Dental Measures/Remedies for Bad Breath
Your dental health is essential. That's why you should make it a habit to go for regular dental check-ups. Among the many oral health problems that you may experience is bad breath. Besides embarrassment and psychological distress, bad breath can be a sign of an underlying dental problem that could worsen if you don't see a dentist early enough. Unfortunately, assessing your own breath may not be fruitful. Most people with terrible breath may not even know it, while those with perfectly neutral breath could be worrying about having bad breath. Therefore, if you suspect that you have bad breath, visit a dentist who will be able to gauge your breath on a scale and advise whether you have bad breath. Fortunately, bad breath has remedies, and here are a few.
Oral Hygiene
Poor oral hygiene is one of the most common causes of bad breath. If you have poor oral hygiene, you allow bacteria to build up inside your mouth. Therefore, it's best to practice good oral hygiene to prevent plaque. Doing this is simple. First, brush your teeth correctly after you eat and floss properly at least once every day. Using toothpaste with antimicrobial properties can also do the trick.
Your tongue can also harbour bacteria. Therefore, don't forget to brush it too. Some toothbrushes come with tongue cleaners and would be ideal for this. A tongue scraper may also come in handy, especially if you have significant bacteria overgrowth.
Do you have dental appliances like dentures, braces, bridges, dental retainers, etc.? Remember to clean them carefully when brushing your teeth to keep them from harbouring food particles and bacteria.
Water
Mouth dryness is another common cause of bad breath as it allows bacteria to thrive. Therefore, staying hydrated can help alleviate bad breath. Drink plenty of water, and avoid sugary and caffeinated drinks. In addition, avoid or reduce tobacco and alcohol that tend to have dehydrating effects. Sucking on sweets or chewing gum can also help stimulate saliva, which plays a crucial role in cleaning your mouth. However, make sure the gum or sweets you choose are sugarless.
Treatment
Dental problems like gum disease can also be the reason behind your bad breath. For instance, gum disease typically results in your gums pulling away from your teeth, creating room for odour-causing bacteria. While professional cleaning may help get rid of the bacteria, your dentist may recommend medication to treat the underlying cause, which in such cases would be gum disease.
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