Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a common, treatable problem that people experience for many reasons. From poor oral hygiene to an imbalance in the mouth, bad breath can put a major cramp on your work and social life. So, what are the causes and cures for bad breath?
Poor Dental Care
The biggest cause for bad breath is poor oral hygiene. A lack of proper dental care can result in bacteria and microbes that produce smelly sulfur compounds in your mouth. When you don’t keep your mouth clean, bacteria grows and spreads, causing decay and even more problems in your mouth that all contribute to bad breath.
The good news is that bad breath from poor oral hygiene is easily treated with a quick dental visit and developing a habit of brushing and flossing your teeth everyday. And don’t forget to brush your tongue! This step will keep bacteria from building up in the back of your mouth as well.
Strong Smelling-Foods![woman with wine]()
Bad breath can also be caused by eating strong-smelling foods. Notice, that it is strong-smelling foods that cause bad breath, not necessarily bad-smelling foods. For example, the smell of cooking garlic can be quite pleasant. However, garlic is notorious for the havoc it wreaks on one’s breath.
To help reduce bad breath from smelly foods, eat palate cleansing foods after meals containing big offenders (garlic, onions, wine, etc.). Some good palate cleansing foods are fruit sorbet, plain crackers, bread or fresh fruit.
Sickness
Finally, bad breath can be commonly caused by sickness. If you’ve recently battled allergies, colds or a more serious ear, nose and throat related illness, the mucus and bacteria from a post-nasal drip can latch onto your tongue and cause terrible halitosis.
Eating some carbohydrates can help with this form of bad breath. Keeping your mouth clean and your tongue especially clean will also ward off most of the bacteria from a post-nasal drip.
Affordable Dental Care
The best way to take care of bad breath that just won’t quit is to see a dentist for a teeth cleaning. For an affordable dental plan, visit 1Dental.com to get a plan at a low monthly rate and see the dentist within days!
You do not have to live with bad breath. You can treat it, and get on with the more important things in your life-like friends, family and doing your work with pride. Take care of yourself and start focusing on living your life.