There are only a few things that are more unpleasant and uncomfortable in social situations than talking to someone who has bad breath. For most people, chewing on a mint or a piece of gum is their quick solution to the problem. However, this solution usually fails to address the main cause of the bad breath. Bad breath can be caused by many different things. Here are some of the best remedies for getting rid of bad breath.
Examine Your Hygiene Habits
The first place to start when getting rid of bad breath is by regularly brushing your teeth and tongue, especially after meals. Floss daily, swish the inside of your mouth with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Make sure you are getting periodic teeth cleanings. If the problem persists beyond all of this, you may have some kind of nutritional deficiency or underlying health condition that requires the help of a medical professional.
Drink More Water
Many people don’t drink enough water throughout the day to ward off the bacteria in the mouth that are most responsible for causing bad breath. Tiny microbes in the mouth actually feed on loose food particles throughout the day, releasing odor-causing byproducts that end up causing bad breath. And all-natural saliva is your body’s built-in remedy for eliminating these bacteria that build up in your mouth.
It is possible for chronic dry dry mouth conditions to play a part in the development of bad breath. Dry mouth is caused by the decomposition of dead cells in your mouth and on your tongue. This decomposition results in an unpleasant door. But in order for your body to produce enough bacteria-fighting saliva and to start getting rid of bad breath, you must be drinking plenty of clean, fluoride-free water throughout the day.
Supplement with Zinc
Another common cause of bad breath is a deficiency in the mineral zinc, which helps maintain a clean, bacteria-free mouth. Some mouthwash products actually contain zinc as an active ingredient because the mineral is a known antimicrobial that also aids in the neutralization and elimination of harmful germs. But supplementing with oral zinc and eating more zinc-rich foods like pumpkin, cacao, and organ meats, for example, might be an even better approach.
Use Herbs
Since bad breath can also develop from a buildup of heavy metals, yeast overgrowth, and other toxins inside the body, it is important to regularly flush your system with dietary interventions, such as herbs. One way to do this is by taking stinging nettle or drinking stinging nettle tea. This is a powerful herb that has been shown to purify the blood and eliminate toxins from the body.
Dill, fennel, sage, myrrh and Echinacea are other treatment options for bad breath.
Take Probiotics
Poor gut health is another common cause of bad breath. If your digestive tract is overloaded with built-up toxins or if routine antibiotic use and poor dietary habits have left your digestive system in bad shape, bad breath could be a side effect of another underlying problem. If you suffer from constipation or a sluggish digestive system, you are a leading candidate for developing bad breath. This is because these conditions create an excess of gas in your body, and much of the gas exits through your mouth.
Eat More Raw Fruits & Veggies
Eating more fruits and vegetables that are rich in fiber are also beneficial in the fight against bad breath. Carrots, apples, and celery can help to get rid of plaque buildup that can cause bad breath. These nutrient filled foods help to increase the production of bacteria-fighting saliva inside your mouth.
Dr. Kao
Whether you’re having trouble finding a suitable dental physician, have more questions about getting rid of bad breath, or want to actually perform a dental procedure, outstanding dental advice and care can be offered by Dr. David S. Kao’s office to provide you with the gorgeous, memorable smile you desire. Dr. Kao focuses his treatment on you as an individual, and not just on the dental problem. As part of his approach to dental care, Dr. Kao takes into account each patients’ individual needs and concerns. Dr. Kao’s treatments are specifically tailored to provide lasting health benefits.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and to boost both your smile and your confidence.