Difference between revisions of "Control Bad Breath"

No one wants to be that person in the room with bad breath when everyone knows it, but no one will tell them. Luckily there are many things you can do to improve your breath. If they don’t work, then you should see a doctor to see if it is a symptom of an underlying condition.<ref name="rf1">http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bad-breath/basics/definition/con-20014939</ref>

#Sniff your own breath. It is difficult for you to assess your own breath because you become habituated to it.<ref name="rf2">http://www.qualitydentistry.com/dental/halitosis/hover.html</ref> This is similar to how people can have body odor and not know it. However, if your breath is very bad, this may work:

#Do a lick test. This method can be used to determine whether your dry saliva smells unpleasant.<ref name="rf3">http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Bad-breath/Pages/Introduction.aspx</ref>

#* Other people will be better at assessing your breath than you because they won’t already be used to it.<ref name="rf4">http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bad-breath/basics/symptoms/con-20014939</ref>

#Adjust your diet to reduce bad breath. Some foods cause strong, often unpleasant, odors.  Foods to avoid include:<ref name="rf5">http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Bad-breath/Pages/Causes.aspx</ref><ref name="rf6">http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bad-breath/basics/lifestyle-home-remedies/con-20014939</ref>

#Mask any odors by chewing mint or parsley leaves. These may cover up bad odors.<ref name="rf7">https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003058.htm</ref>

#Drink extra water. Water will combat dry mouth (which can cause bad breath) and wash out your mouth. This will help prevent food particles from getting stuck in your teeth and causing bacteria to grow.<ref name="rf8">http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Bad-breath/Pages/Treatment.aspx</ref><ref name="rf9">http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dehydration/basics/symptoms/con-20030056</ref><ref name="rf10">http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bad-breath/basics/causes/con-20014939</ref>

#Chew gum after eating. This will stimulate your body to produce saliva and help remove and wash down any last bits of food.<ref name="rf8" />

#Don’t fast or go on a crash diet. Many low-carbohydrate diets force the body to break down fat. As this happens your body makes ketones which have a noticeable odor. Extreme diets will produce a stronger odor.<ref name="rf5" />

#Brush your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day. Use a fluoride toothpaste to prevent tooth decay. Brush for at least two minutes to make sure you have time to thoroughly clean everywhere.<ref name="rf8" />

#Floss to clean between your teeth. This will remove food particles, plaque, and bacteria that might be hiding there. When bacteria break down food particles that are leftover in your mouth, they sometimes give off unpleasant odors.<ref name="rf10" />

#Reduce bacteria with an antibacterial, anti-odor mouth wash or salt solution. This can be done in addition to brushing. It should not be done as a substitute for brushing.<ref name="rf8" /><ref name="rf11">http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bad-breath/basics/treatment/con-20014939</ref>

#* Prepare the  salt water solution by dissolving 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoons of salt into a cup of water. You probably won’t need all of it, so don’t feel you have to use it all.<ref name="rf12">http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/in-depth/cold-remedies/art-20046403</ref>

#Remove excess bacteria from your tongue by brushing or scraping your tongue. The roughness of your tongue makes it an excellent hiding place for small particles of food to get trapped and harbor bacteria.<ref name="rf10" />

#*Brush your tongue with a paste of lemon juice and turmeric using your toothbrush. Use 1/4 of a teaspoon of lemon juice and add tumeric until a paste forms. Both have antibacterial properties.<ref name="rf13">https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/662.html</ref>

#Clean your dentures daily if you wear them. Dentures also provide a surface that can trap food particles and harbor bacteria. Develop a routine for cleaning them:<ref name="rf8" />

#[[Quit Smoking|Quit smoking]]. Not only does smoking itself have an odor that others will notice, but it lowers your immune system, making you more vulnerable to developing infections in your gums. The bacteria that grow often give off an unpleasant smell. If you need help quitting, you can:<ref name="rf10" /><ref name="rf14">http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/diseases/periodontal-gum-disease.html</ref><ref name="rf15">http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/quit-smoking/basics/quitsmoking-action-plan/hlv-20049487</ref>

#Go to a dentist if making dietary changes and improving your oral hygiene doesn’t help. Getting a teeth cleaning will remove any hard plaques and bacteria that are difficult get when brushing and flossing.<ref name="rf8" /> Your dentist will also be able to tell you if your bad breath comes from an underlying dental problem such as:<ref name="rf7" /><ref name="rf11" />

#Go to a doctor if your dentist recommends it. If your dentist thinks the underlying problem could be a condition that is not related to oral health, he or she may send you to your physician. The physician will look for many different conditions that can cause bad breath, including:<ref name="rf4" /><ref name="rf7" /><ref name="rf10" />

#Ask your doctor whether any of your medications may be causing your bad breath. Some cause dry mouth, others may produce chemicals that smell as you metabolize them. If you think your medications are the source, do not stop taking them without consulting your doctor. Your doctor may be able to switch you to another medication that will still treat the condition, but not give you bad breath. Medications that may cause bad breath include:<ref name="rf10" /><ref name="rf7" />