TIPS TO PREVENT BAD BREATH

Bad breath is an embarrassing problem. Sometimes the person suffering from bad breath does not realize this. People avoid conversations with individuals having bad breath. Bad breath is also known as Halitosis. There are many reasons for Bad breath. You need to understand the causes and prevent bad breath for short term duration and long term benefits too.

Human mouth contains millions of bacteria, infact more than the cells of our body. Good hygiene practices have to be followed to keep away bad breath. Bad breath is generally associated with people having health issues like gum disease, tooth decay, diabetes, etc.

Breath health regimen to be followed:

• Brush your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day i.e early morning and before going to bed. Floss once a day. This will help remove the food trapped between your teeth, as well as the food trapped in the gum line. This is a strategic point for bacteria to grow and multiply and cause bad breath. Remember the process of actually brushing is most important than the tooth paste you apply. Brushing and flossing are the basics of a good breath health regimen.
• Clean your tongue thoroughly after you brush your teeth as the rough surface attracts food particles and bacteria that contribute to bad breath. Gently clean the tongue with the tooth brush and finally wipe away with the tongue cleaner. Very important aspect of avoiding bad breath.
• Rinsing your mouth with water works wonders after meals — no matter what you’ve eaten. Swirling and swishing the water around may help remove some of the food particles left in the mouth after a meal and prevent bad breath from setting in. Opt for a mouth wash.
• Follow simple home remedy: Dissolve ¼ teaspoon of salt in a glass of lukewarm water and gargle thoroughly. You may rinse your mouth only once a day and that is probably in the morning. Ideal to rinse your mouth before going to bed too. Since the mouth is usually closed while sleeping and anaerobic bacteria do not need oxygen, rinsing at night might be more effective.

Some watch outs:

People suffering with bad breath are unaware and they need to be informed such that they can start addressing the problem. Few reasons for bad breath and the caution to be exercised to avoid bad breath.

• Dry mouth is a reason for bad breath. Saliva in the mouth contains oxygen and oxygen prevents growth of bacteria. Drink lots of water to keep mouth hydrated. A temporary solution is to chew a bubble gum or a mint.
• Some foods cause bad breath. Top in the list is onions and garlic. They contain powerful volatile sulfur compounds which produce the same odor found in rotten eggs. Meat, milk, cheese has the similar bacteria and therefore bad odor.
• Acidic drinks lower the pH level in your mouth A lower pH level allows bacteria to flourish and release volatile sulfur compounds. Avoid alcohol as it causes dry mouth. Coffee contains acids, to keep away bad breath replace with tea.
• People who smoke cigarettes  often have a plaque buildup on their teeth. Plaque is an ideal place to harbor odor-causing bacteria. Smoking tends to dry out the mouth. A dry mouth is an oxygen-depleted mouth, which provides the perfect environment for anaerobic bacteria to flourish. Quit cigarette smoking.

Also read: Benefits of Drinking Warm Water before Bedtime

Foods that prevent bad breath:

• Tulsi ( Holy basil) leaf prevents bad breath. Mint leaves are ideal too. Ayurveda recommends gargling and good hygiene practices.
• Green tea helps keep your breath fresh because it has antibacterial compounds that fight the germs in your mouth. Boil cinnamon sticks in tea. The essential oil fights bad breath.
• Fruits high in Vitamin C are good. Melons, berries, citrus fruits, carrots, apples are great options to chew after a meal. These foods will remove the food particles and also stimulate saliva in mouth.

Your mouth smells bad when you wake up after a good sleep. A good brushing flossing and rinsing mouth will remove bad breath.

If after all precautionary measures you are unable to fight bad breath , you need to consult a dentist for further advice.

Bad breath is annoying and cause embarrassment during interaction with others. Proper attention to your breath health regimen will help you relieve the causes of bad breath.