Bad breath is a problem suffered by many but is often considered to be more of a trivial problem that is generally ignored. However, it is important to recognize that bad breath, also known medically as halitosis is a problem that can cause a lot of social awkwardness. Sometimes, bad breath is also found to have an impact on the self esteem and confidence of a person.
Bad breath is often a result of poor oral hygiene. Lack of oral hygiene causes food particles to get accumulated between the teeth and in the crevices of the mouth. These residual food particles, if not cleaned properly and regularly, start decomposing in the mouth and gives off a foul smell. In addition to this, these decomposed foods also become breeding grounds for bacteria and further deteriorates oral hygiene. Sometimes, however, bad breath can also be caused due to dehydration, severe dieting, or a dry mouth. Saliva is necessary to clean the mouth and keep it fresh; therefore, lack of saliva in the mouth can induce bad breath. Smoking and alcohol abuse can further worsen the condition of bad breath. Also, the foods that you eat can have significant impact on the way your breath smells -high-protein and high-fat foods, caffeinated beverages, sugar-rich confectioneries, garlic and onion can produce bad breath.
The first thing you should do to remedy bad breath is to follow proper oral hygiene practices. Brush twice daily after your meals, floss regularly, and do visit a dentist at periodic intervals. Follow proper methods for brushing your teeth and do not hurry. Ensure that the toothbrush you use is effective; do not keep using an old toothbrush because it loses its effectiveness with repeated use. You should also clean your tongue with a tongue cleaner each time you brush. The majority of bacteria that cause bad breath reside on the back of your tongue so it is important that you clean your tongue out regularly. Do also gargle your mouth with warm saline water to remedy bad breath. You can also add clove oil, baking soda, apple cider vinegar, or dilute hydrogen peroxide solution to the saline solution to make it more effective.
It is also important to drink plenty of water throughout the day so that the body and the mouth remain amply hydrated. Chewing on mint, clove, or basil leaves can also reduce the bad breath temporarily. Drinking herbal tea prepared with these ingredients will work as well. It is better to follow certain steps to prevent bad breath rather than having to cure it when the condition becomes acute.