Halitosis, which is another name for bad breath, can be both annoying and embarrassing. It can give you social anxiety and make you feel bad about yourself. It can also be a sign of a health problem. There are many things you can do to get rid of bad breath for good. In this article, we’ll talk about what causes bad breath and what you can do to get rid of it for good.
Why Your Mouth Smells
Most of the time, bacteria in the mouth are to blame for bad breath. When these bacteria break down bits of food, they release sulfur compounds that smell bad. Bad breath is often caused by not taking care of your teeth and gums, which lets bacteria grow in the mouth. Other things that can cause bad breath in the mouth are:
- Dry mouth
- Certain medications
- Smoking
- Alcohol consumption
- Gum disease
- Sinus or respiratory infections
- Diabetes
- Kidney or liver problems
Tips for Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene
The best way to stop bad breath is to take care of your teeth and gums. Here are some ways to keep a clean and fresh mouth:
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Brush and Floss Regularly
Use fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth at least twice a day. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and brush all of your teeth, including your tongue. At least once a day, floss your teeth to get rid of food and plaque stuck between them.
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Get Your Tongue Scraped
Use a tongue scraper to get rid of bacteria and other things that stick to your tongue. Bacteria can grow on the rough surface of the tongue, which can make your mouth smell bad.
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Drink Plenty of Water
By drinking water, food and bacteria in the mouth are washed away. It also keeps your mouth from getting dry, which can cause bad breath.
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Avoid Certain Foods and Drinks
Some foods and drinks can make your mouth smell bad. Stay away from foods and drinks that are high in sugar and acid, like coffee and soda. Choose water and fresh fruits and veggies instead.
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Quit Smoking
Smoking not only makes your breath smell bad, but it also makes gum disease and other problems with your mouth more likely. Quitting smoking can help your oral health in general and stop bad breath.
Home Remedies for Mouth Odor
If you want to get rid of bad breath naturally, there are a few things you can try. Here are some things you can do at home to get rid of bad breath for good:
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Oil Pulling
To do oil pulling, you swish oil in your mouth for a few minutes. You can use coconut oil or sesame oil. People think that this will get rid of bacteria and toxins in the mouth and make oral hygiene better.
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Lemon juice
Lemon water can help make you make more saliva, which can help get rid of bacteria in your mouth. It also tastes good and can help make your breath smell better.
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Baking Soda
Baking soda can help get rid of bad breath because it has deodorizing properties. Make a paste by mixing a teaspoon of baking soda with water, and then use it to brush your teeth.
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Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar can kill the bacteria that cause bad breath because it has antibacterial properties. You can make a mouthwash by mixing a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a tablespoon of water.
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Chlorophyll
Chlorophyll is a natural deodorizer that is a green pigment found in plants. To get rid of bad breath, you can take chlorophyll pills or use a chlorophyll mouthwash.
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Green Tea
Green tea naturally kills bacteria, which can help kill the bacteria that cause bad breath. Green tea can also make you salivate more, which can help get rid of bacteria in your mouth.
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Probiotics
Taking probiotics can help your oral health in general and stop bad breath. Probiotics help keep the bacteria in your mouth and intestines in balance. This can help get rid of the bacteria that cause bad breath.
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Fennel Seeds
You can get rid of bad breath and mouth odor by chewing on fennel seeds. The antibacterial properties of fennel seeds can help kill the bacteria that cause bad breath.
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Over-the-Counter Mouthwashes and Breath Fresheners
If natural remedies don’t work, you might want to try mouthwashes and breath fresheners that you can buy at the store. Look for things with antibacterial ingredients like chlorhexidine or cetylpyridinium chloride. You can also try products with peppermint or eucalyptus essential oils.
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Prescribed Treatments for Bad Breath and Bad Breath
If over-the-counter medicines don’t help, your dentist or doctor may suggest medicines you have to get from a pharmacy. Some of these are:
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Antibiotics and anti-fungal drugs
Chlorhexidine rinse is a mouthwash that needs a prescription.
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Changes in lifestyle that can stop bad breath
You can prevent bad breath by taking care of your teeth and gums and making other changes to your life. These things are:
- Drinking plenty of water
- Avoiding tobacco and alcohol
- Eating a healthy diet
- Getting regular exercise
- Managing stress
ALSO SEE: How to Take Misoprostol by Mouth
When to See a Doctor
If your mouth smells bad even after you’ve tried home remedies and products you can buy at the store, you should see a dentist or doctor. They can help you figure out why your mouth smells and give you advice on how to treat it.
FAQs
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Is bad breath a sign of something really wrong with your health?
Some health problems, like diabetes, kidney or liver problems, or respiratory infections, can cause your mouth to smell bad. If your mouth smells even though you brush your teeth and floss, you should see a doctor.
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Can bad breath be fixed for good?
Yes, bad breath can be cured for good with good oral hygiene, natural remedies, and changes to your way of life.
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Can a mouthwash get rid of bad breath?
Mouthwash can temporarily cover up bad breath, but it’s not a long-term fix. To get rid of bad breath for good, you need to deal with what’s causing it.
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What foods should I stay away from if I don’t want bad breath?
Sugary foods and acidic drinks like coffee and soda can make your mouth smell bad. Instead, drink water and eat fresh fruits and vegetables.
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Can smoking make your breath smell bad?
Yes, smoking can lead to bad breath and gum disease, both of which can make your mouth smell bad. Quitting smoking can help your oral health in general and stop bad breath.
Conclusion
Mouth odor can be embarrassing and annoying, but it isn’t impossible to get rid of it for good. By taking care of your teeth, using natural remedies, and making changes to your lifestyle, you can improve your oral health and stop bad breath.
If you have a bad mouth odor that won’t go away, don’t be afraid to ask a dentist or doctor for help.