Bad breath is something everyone experiences at some point in their lives. It is an uncomfortable feeling and can cause low self-esteem. Money is spent on mouthwash and mints to overcoat the bad odours. Although, is it something more serious?
If you find that the bad odours in your mouth are a regular occurrence, it could be because you’re suffering from a condition known as Halitosis. Read our detailed post on the causes of Halitosis to help you.
You can also tell if it is a condition or a lifestyle problem. Did you know that there are simple lifestyle changes you can make at home to keep your breath fresh? Making these changes can help identify the answer of any bad breath.
Try one of these bad breath remedies at home.
Tongue Cleaning
Many people neglect the tongue when brushing their teeth. One of the key causes of bad breath stems from the food debris that remains on the tongue after a heavy meal. You should see a white coating at the back of the tongue. Remove it to reduce the bad odour smell. Simply brush your tongue for 30 seconds minimum with your brush or clean your tongue with a tongue scraper.
Water
Are you drinking water regularly throughout the day? If you notice a bad smell in the mouth, drink water. Drinking water helps to control the odour by washing away food debris or dead cells that remain inside the mouth. Sugary drinks may help but the acidic ingredients will remain in the mouth, promoting bacteria.
Saltwater Rinse
A natural remedy to freshen breath is a saltwater rinse. In a warm glass of water, add some salt and swish the liquid around the mouth for a minimum time of 30 seconds. This reduces the bad odour in the mouth.
Fruit and Vegetables
Fruit and vegetables act as natural toothbrushes that stimulate saliva production. Saliva is an essential weapon to fight bacteria. Bacteria is a source of bad breath. Therefore, incorporate foods such as apples, oranges, pears, celery, carrots into your daily diet.
Mouthwash
As part of your daily oral hygiene, rinse with a good mouthwash such as listerine that will stop bad breath at its source. Contact your dentist to determine the best mouthwash to use. Swish your mouth with mouthwash after you brush teeth. Mouthwash removes food debris and keeps breath fresh.
Whilst these are helpful remedies to keep bad breath at bay, never forget to have a quality dental hygiene routine every day. Make sure you’re doing these things:
- Not smoking cigarettes or tobacco products
- Brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day
- Rinse your mouth after a meal
- Regular dental check-ups with the dentist
- Replacing your toothbrush regularly
If you’re in need of a dental check-up, visit one of our Bayside dentists. We are motivated to restore your confidence in your smile. You can contact our experienced Parkdale dentists for further guiance.