I am sure we have all asked that question, “How’s my breath?” at some point or another, probably before going out on a date or an important meeting. We are probably also familiar with the ever present consciousness of our breath, and the worry that it does not smell very pleasant. But is there some sort of bad breath remedy out there, other than gargling for hours with the strongest mouthwash you can find, or stuffing several sticks of chewing gum into your mouth? Before we can confront the issue of a cure, perhaps we should first establish what it is that causes halitosis (a.k.a. bad breath) in the first place. Most bad breath is caused by something in the mouth, such as food remnants that have remained in your mouth after eating. As this food rots, it produces an unpleasant odour in your mouth. These food particles will also help bacteria to develop, which can lead to serious gum problems, such as gingivitis, which is also a cause of bad breath. Chronic bad breath can also be a sign of more serious conditions, such as lung infections, kidney disease, and even diabetes. There are several preventatives to help keep your breath smelling fresh, but there is no one bad breath cure you will simply have to find out which works for you. Some suggest that brushing your teeth and tongue twice a day, using fluoride toothpaste, will freshen breath brushing your tongue is especially important, as your tongue is the best place for bacteria to thrive. You should also floss your teeth regularly, to remove any food particles that are stuck between them. Always use mouthwash to help rid your mouth of any remaining bacteria after brushing, ensuring that you swish the mouthwash around your mouth for about thirty seconds before spitting it out, but remember that many mouthwashes do not have a long-lasting effect on bad breath. If you wear removable dentures, or a removable brace, make sure that it is cleaned thoroughly every night and morning, so that it is not harbouring any odour-producing bacteria. You should also avoid tobacco products, as tobacco can cause bad breath. It is also recommended that to stop bad breath from developing you avoid the following foods: garlic, cheese, onions, orange juice, and fizzy drinks. You should also eat more fruit and vegetables, and less meat, and if your mouth is feeling dry, you should drink more water or suck on a sugar-free sweet these will help prevent bad breath caused by dry mouth’. If bad breath persists, you should consult your doctor/dentist, as there may be an underlying problem which is causing you halitosis.
