Do you have bad breath? Here’s how to get rid of it
Bad breath, also known as Halitosis, affects the quality of life of individuals as it has a significant impact on social, personal, and professional interactions, resulting in a reduction in self-esteem.
The causes of bad breath are diverse:
- General health condition;
- Physical condition;
- Presence of oral and/or systemic diseases;
- Dietary habits;
- Medications;
- Environmental factors;
- Lifestyle.
So, how can we treat and/or reduce bad breath?
Drink water
A dry mouth is the ideal environment for the bacteria that cause bad breath. This is because they are anaerobic, meaning they thrive in environments with little to no oxygen.
For this reason, it is important to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.
Avoid acidic foods and sugar
Avoid acidic and sugary drinks like sodas and coffee, as bacteria feed on these substrates. Additionally, they dehydrate the body.
Maintain good oral hygiene
Inadequate oral hygiene leads to plaque formation, and as we discussed earlier, it can lead to gingivitis or periodontitis.
This situation, combined with the presence of bacteria that promote bad breath, is the recipe for unpleasant odor. Don’t forget to brush your tongue.
Get a check-up
S systemic diseases, such as Diabetes Mellitus, or taking certain medications, can affect saliva production, causing dry mouth. Visit your family doctor and get a general check-up.
Avoid smoking and alcohol
Besides causing bad breath directly, they reduce saliva flow and can induce and/or worsen periodontal disease.
