Although having bad breath can be an unpleasant and humiliating issue, it’s vital to keep in mind that it’s a condition that many individuals deal with on a regular basis; There are a few things you may do to treat halitosis if you struggle with it.
a women complains from bad breath "halitosis"
We’ll look at the causes and treatments of foul breath in this post, We’ll also examine several herbal treatments for freshening breath.
What Not to Do If You Have Bad Breath
While it may be tempting to mask the odor with mouthwash, gum, or breath freshening strips, these products are not a good solution; Strong antibacterial ingredients in these products can disrupt the delicate balance of bacteria in the mouth, causing more and worse bad breath; Most bad breath comes from an imbalance in the oral microbiome, the community of organisms that reside inside your mouth; Therefore, killing all of these bacteria is not the right approach.
How Oral Microbiome Disruptors Cause Bad Breath
When the oral microbiome is out of balance, we can see not only bad breath but also disruptions to gut health, an increase in cavities, and even an impact on mental health, such as depression and anxiety.
To help keep the oral microbiome healthy, it’s best to discontinue the use of any antibacterial oral care products, including mouthwash and antibacterial toothpaste.
Keep in mind that essential oils can have a strong antibacterial effect in the mouth.
How to Know If You Have Bad Breath
The best way to know if you have bad breath is to test; Bristle’s halitosis indicator is an oral microbiome test you can do and gives you a personalized plan based on the microbes in your mouth to understand which microbes are driving your bad breath.
Testing your oral microbiome is not just for bad breath but for your overall health; Oral microbiome testing with Bristle has become an integral part of how some dental professionals treat their patients.
Other ways to tell if you have bad breath include licking the inside of your wrist and sniffing it, looking at your tongue in the mirror, or asking a third party like a friend or loved one.
Which Mouthwash Should I Use to Get Rid of Bad Breath
The best mouthwash to get rid of bad breath is no mouthwash at all; Mouthwash dries out the mouth, which is the opposite of what you want to get rid of bad breath, lots of saliva is what disorganizes plaque and keeps bacteria from growing out of control in your mouth.
Mouthwash can also upset the normal ratio of good and bad bacteria in your mouth, making things smell worse.
Minty mouthwash may give you a refreshing sensation, but it doesn’t do anything to address the underlying problem; Instead, swish with water after you brush your teeth.
Embarrassed to Talk to Your Dentist About Bad Breath?
Please don’t be; Your dentist wants to know, and they want to help; In fact, bad breath can be an indicator of something wrong elsewhere in the body, such as an infection, nasal polyps, kidney problems, diabetes, liver disease, malnutrition, or even cancer.
Causes of Bad Breath
There are several causes of bad breath, including:
– Dry mouth
– Gingivitis and periodontal disease
– Inadequate oral hygiene
– Consumption of garlic and onions
– Bad breath from the sinuses, mouth, or throat
– Bad breath from the stomach
Treatment of Bad Breath
Remember, there are no quick fixes.
– Start with the oral microbiome: Adopt healthy oral care habits, such as brushing and flossing regularly, using non-toxic oral care products, and avoiding mouthwash and other antibacterial products.
– Address any underlying dental issues, such as gingivitis or periodontal disease, by visiting your dentist regularly.
– Stay hydrated to help keep your mouth moist and prevent dry mouth.
– Avoid foods and drinks that can contribute to bad breath, such as garlic and alcohol.
– Chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free mints to help stimulate saliva production.
– Consider trying natural remedies like oil pulling with coconut oil or using baking soda as a gentle mouthwash.
Finally, while bad breath can be a frustrating and humiliating issue, it is critical to manage it for your dental and general health. You can improve your overall health and well-being by practicing good oral hygiene, avoiding antibacterial products, and addressing any underlying dental disorders. However, if you’re unclear about the source of your foul breath or if it persists despite your efforts, consult your dentist or healthcare practitioner.
