There are several people around the world, who suffer from bad breath problems, caused by various factors. While bad breath on its own need not be a cause for concern, most people are highly embarrassed by it. Hence, most people look for ways to prevent bad breath, because it affects the confidence when they are speaking to others. Bad breath resulting from any cause, even acid reflux bad breath, can have a negative effect on a person’s professional and social life. However, the first step in addressing the problem is identifying the main cause of it.
The most common cause of bad breath is the lack of adequate dental hygiene, like brushing and flossing the teeth regularly. However, at times, people could suffer from bad breath in spite of taking good care of their teeth. It is also common for people to experience mouth odor due to a broken tooth or mouth abscesses. People who smoke regularly may have problems with bad breath. In addition to that, many people realize that they have bad breath, after the consumption of certain food items, like onions, garlic, meat, seafood, cabbage, certain spices, and so on. In fact, many other foods can lead to bad breath, which is why several people make it a point to brush their teeth or at least rinse their mouth with some mouthwash, soon after mealtimes. At times, stomach problems, like indigestion and acid reflux are common causes of bad breath in adults and children too.
Fortunately, there are several natural remedies for bad breath that can help people get relief from this embarrassing problem. However, the treatment and remedies suggested by dental experts may vary, based on the cause of bad breath.
Acid reflux can be described as a digestive problem that is caused when the stomach acids flow back into the esophagus. When this happens, a person experiences a bitter taste in the mouth, which could further lead to mouth odor, commonly referred to, as acid reflux bad breath.
People are advised to undergo acid reflux bad breath treatment not only to prevent bad breath, but also to avoid the discomfort they experience every time the acids from their stomach flow back into the esophagus. Given below are a few steps that should be followed as a part of acid reflux bad breath treatment:
- Visit the dentist for a proper dental check up, to rule out the possibility of any tooth problems, or gum decay. Acid reflux could lead to such problems, which are the main causes of bad breath. It is also advisable to undergo dental cleaning from a professional
- Make a few dietary changes and restrict of preferably eliminate certain foods from it. Strong spices, citric fruits and tomatoes should be avoided, as they are acidic in nature. Coffee, tea, aerated drinks as well as chocolate, or any other product that contains caffeine should also be consumed in limited quantities, or preferably, not at all.
- After eating sit up straight for around 2 to 3 hours. Exercising, or lying down could cause the stomach acids to flow back, aggravating the acid reflux
- Avoid any unhealthy practices like cigarette smoking or drinking alcohol, as they could worsen the problem of acid reflux and could also lead to bad breath.
- Use over the counter antacids to reduce the bitterness in the mouth, caused by acid reflux. The antacids can be used in addition to prescribed medication, but should be used only on certain occasions, not everyday.
- Chew gum to produce more saliva in the mouth. This would help digestion and ease the problem. This is also good for improving the taste in the mouth.
answered by G M