In order to be able to prevent bad breath (also called Halitosis) from ruining your life, you need to be aware of what causes it so that you can be able to avoid the things that create the problem or contribute to it. Scientific research from different sources shows that this is caused by bacteria in the mouth that is part of the digestive system. Everybody has these bacteria because they are essential for the normal functioning of the body.
These anaerobic bacteria break down left over food particles creating odorous sulphur compounds that result in foul breath. Certain medical conditions can also contribute such as gum disease, throat infections and tooth decay. Some foods such as garlic and onion can also contribute to bad breath but this type of halitosis is usually temporary. Prevention can be done by doing things that reduce the number of odor causing bacteria in the mouth such as proper flossing, brushing and cleaning of the tongue. Generally, good dental hygiene can help many people prevent or even eliminate this problem. People with chronic bad breath tend to have higher levels of the anaerobic bacteria.
Good dental hygiene involving daily brushing and flossing can help prevent bad breath. Also, since the bacteria that cause this are anaerobic, doing anything that increases saliva in the mouth will help prevent foul breath. One of the best ways to do this is to drink lots of water and fluids throughout the day. Some dentists recommend chewing sugar fee gum to encourage production of saliva. Saliva is important in the fight against it because it releases oxygen which suppresses the anaerobic bacteria. It follows therefore that anything that reduces the production of saliva, such as smoking, stress, alcohol, anti-anxiety drugs, and medications such as decongestants and diuretics, allow the micro-organisms to increase and spread.
Avoiding certain foods can also help in the prevention of bad breath. When you eat high protein foods such as milk, fish and meat, it is important that you brush and floss your teeth immediately. This will prevent the levels of bacteria in your mouth from increasing and contributing to the problem. You also need to be aware of foods like garlic and onions that are widely known to contribute to the problem of halitosis.
Here is a short list of some things that you can do for yourself to prevent the problem.
- Clean your tongue daily using a tongue cleaner and cleaning right to the back of the tongue.
- Brush and floss your teeth daily especially after every meal, in the morning and before sleeping. Maintain a high level of oral and dental hygiene.
- Drink plenty of fluids but avoid too much coffee.
- Chew sugar-free gum, especially if your mouth feels dry.
- Eat lots of fresh, fibrous vegetables.
- Clean your mouth immediately after eating milk products, meat and fish.
Since bad breath is usually a problem in the mouth, it is helpful to visit a dentist regularly and have your teeth professionally cleaned and your oral health checked.
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