According to the Journal of the Canadian Dental Association, halitosis — also known as bad breath — affects about 50% of the population. This figure is considered a low estimate but it accounts for the vast industry catering to the discovery of a bad breath cure. Learning how to get rid of halitosis does not have to be complicated, if you follow a simple eight step process.
1. Isolate Your Bad Breath Causes
The New York State Dental Journal suggests that 90% of halitosis sufferers should list unfettered bacterial activity and gum disease as their main bad breath causes, with only 10% suffering from bad breath due to diabetes and organ related health issues. A full physical at your primary care doctor’s office will eliminate the latter.
2. Visit Your Dentist for the Remaining 90% of Bad Breath Causes
Having eliminated systemic problem, visit your dentist to rule out gum disease, bad breath caused by improperly fitted dentures, and lacking oral hygiene. A thorough cleaning and taking care of any dental problems should eliminate the remaining 90% of bad breath causes. Now you need to maintain oral health at home, and also get rid of the occasional bouts with the halitosis.
3. Invest In A Tongue Cleaner
The Journal of Medical Microbiology reports that hydrogen sulfide producing bacteria are to blame for halitosis. These bacterial live in the oral cavity, and congregate on the back of the tongue. While daily tooth brushing removes these bacteria from gums and teeth, it fails to remove them from the tongue. This may be achieved with a tongue cleaner. Clean the tongue at least once a day with a tongue cleaner.
4. Clean Your Nose
The Journal of the American Dental Association reports that nose problems contribute to bad breath. Having a stuffed up nose results in mouth breathing. The latter dries the mouth and leads to a sudden burst of activity in the population of anaerobic bacteria. Clean your nose and breathe properly to keep the mucous membranes of the oral cavity properly moistened.
5. Check Your Tonsils
Tonsils play a role in the development of halitosis. The Palate Surgery Unit at the Department of Otolaryngology of Israel’s Meir Hospital reports that bad breath is tied to “chronic fetid tonsillitis.” It is worthwhile to get those checked.
6. Eat Hard Veggies and Fruits
Eating carrots, apples, and other crunchy veggies and fruits helps to dislodge food particles, and also serve to scrape the tongue.
7. Brush Your Teeth after Each Meal and Snack
Bad breath causes are identified also as food particles lodged between the teeth. Carry a travel toothbrush and toothpaste.
8. Chew Sugarless Cinnamon Flavored Gum
Cinnamon is a well known bad breath fighter. Chew sugarless, cinnamon flavored gum to encourage saliva flow in your mouth, keep those pearly white polished, and to get rid of halitosis.
Sources: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9086681; http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9002736?ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DiscoveryPanel.Pubmed_Discovery_RA&linkpos=3&log$=relatedreviews&logdbfrom=pubmed; http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15467602;
