Having bad breath is part of the human condition. It’s unpleasant and unflattering, but it’s something everyone who has ever walked the planet has dealt with. You naturally have bacteria in your mouth that can cause bad breath, so it is pretty much universal. Because of this, tremendous effort has been placed on treating and preventing it. From teeth hygiene to peppermints, there are a plethora of treatment options available. There is hope.
Seek Out a Dental Professional
Of course, your breath can still smell terrible regardless of your daily routine. Make sure to go to your Family Dentistry for checkups and cleanings. Some of the bacteria exist as plaque stuck to your teeth that has to be removed through dental equipment. While the sound of metal scraping your teeth is deeply unpleasant, they do it for a reason (it also reduces your chance of developing cavities). Keep in mind that many causes of bad breath can also cause dental problems, so it could be a warning sign of something more serious, such as tooth decay.
Change Your Diet and Lifestyle
Some foods can cause bad breath. The scent of pungent foods like garlic, tuna, and smelly cheeses can remain in your mouth. Sugary foods like candy or chocolate can contribute, too. Avoiding them is a sure way to get the smell out. However, these foods are often delicious and hard to cut out. If you just can’t put down the blue cheese, make sure to take mints or gum with you. If you hate the taste of mint, there are other flavors like cinnamon and lavender. You could also just brush your teeth or use mouthwash. Definitely floss too, as something might’ve gotten stuck in your teeth.
Dry mouth can also be a cause, which can be caused by tobacco use or non-water beverages (including coffee). If you don’t want to stop drinking coffee, chew gum to stimulate saliva (a dentist can also prescribe something for you to use). Make sure to drink plenty of water!
Take Care of Your Teeth
As mentioned above, bad breath is part of life. Since your mouth is a wet hot haven for all kinds of bacteria, it is prone to harboring terrible scents. However, bad breath is a spectrum, and there are ways to make it smell less horrific or eliminate it almost entirely. For one, make sure to take care of your mouth. Make sure that you brush and floss your teeth. Be vigilant in ensuring that you change your toothbrush every now and then because bacteria can build up on the bristles. It is worth noting that some of the bacteria hide on your tongue, so make sure to give it some attention too. Follow all of this with a swig of mouthwash and your bad breath may go away completely. These procedures reduce the number of food bacteria that can break down and infest your mouth.
Don’t Give Up
Bad breath is awful, as it tastes like death, which is sort of is, and makes you look like you’ve never put an ounce of effort into your hygiene. Luckily, it is both preventable and treatable. Change your diet, brush your teeth regularly and see a dentist if you keep having issues.