Halitosis or as it is commonly known, bad breath, is an embarrassing condition. Gum, mints, mouthwashes, and other products designed to fight bad breath are only temporary measures as they don’t address the cause of the problem. Some food items, health conditions, and habits are the main causes of bad breath. You can cure bad breath with proper and consistent dental hygiene. The malodor may vary depending on the underlying cause. If self-care techniques don’t work, it is best to see your dentist or physician to make sure that it isn’t a symptom of other serious condition.
Symptoms
Some people may have bad breath and don’t know about it. Other people worry too much about their breath even though they have little or no mouth odor. It is hard to self-assess your breath. Therefore, ask a close friend or relative to check if you have bad breath.
Causes
There are many probable causes for bad breath. They are:
Treatment
Dental measures
To cure bad breath, your dentist may recommend a toothpaste that carries an antibacterial agent to kill the bacteria that cause plaque buildup. Your dentist may recommend a mouth rinse that kills the bacteria if your bad breath is due to a buildup of bacteria (plaque) on your teeth. You may be referred to a gum specialist (periodontist) if you have gum disease. Gum disease can cause gums to pull away from your teeth, leaving deep pockets in which the odor-causing bacteria may accumulate. You may require the help of a dentist as sometimes only professional cleaning removes these bacteria. It is also recommended to replace faulty tooth restorations which are a breeding ground for bacteria.
Lifestyle and home remedies
Follow these habits to cure bad breath:
Depending on the cause, the treatment for bad breath can vary. Consistently practice good oral hygiene to reduce the risk of gum disease, and try to avoid cavities for a healthy, confident, and fresh breath.
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