Globally, more than 25% of the world’s population suffers from bad breath or halitosis. Not only is this a severe cause for concern, but it can impact a person’s self-esteem and be a significant source of embarrassment. After all, nobody likes being told their breath smells bad. The repercussions of bad breath can also seep into your love life. According to a study for Dental Health Week, more than 20% of Australians aged 18 to 40 will turn down a second date if their partner has smelly breath.
While there are many reasons a person may have halitosis, poor oral hygiene is the leading factor. Fortunately, there is a cure. The solution to your problem lies in specific lifestyle changes you must introduce in your regime. It also includes meeting with a dentist and allowing them to guide you.
So are you ready to say goodbye to your troubling breath? Here’s how you can do that.
1. Pay The Dentist A Visit
Sometimes, brushing your teeth and using mouthwash frequently are not enough to prevent smell. You may be dealing with massive build-up, bacterial infections, and cavities you don’t know about, and only a dentist can help you with that.
Queensland in Australia is home to more than 700 registered Australian dentists, who you can find in the official dentistry directory. More than 90% of these dentists are also part of the Australian Dental Association, which means to remain part of this prestigious group, these professionals need to maintain a high standard.
Therefore, whether you live in the central business district of Brisbane or in the outer southern suburb of a small place called Kuraby, you can find leading experts in your area. First, find a dentist Kuraby has or one in Brisbane, depending on where you live. Then, book your appointment to get to the bottom of your bad breath issue. A dentist will thoroughly examine your mouth to narrow down the cause of your problem. This can include running an X-Ray to ensure you don’t have any hidden bacterial build-up.
Once the dentist knows what they’re working with, they’ll start your treatment. Depending on your gums and teeth condition, you may need to come in for more than one session. Generally, cleaning involves high-powered tools that can break down plaque and tartar, which an ordinary brush cannot achieve. You will also receive professional flossing, cleansing, and washing that will leave your mouth feeling fresh.
2. Discontinue Using Certain Medications
Medications like antihistamines, sedatives, and amphetamines are notorious for amplifying your bad breath as they make your mouth dry. Oral dryness is uncomfortable and bothersome, so consider consulting a doctor to subside this issue. The lack of moisture can also increase plaques and cause tooth decay and mouth sores, further deteriorating your condition. If you are using prescription medication, you cannot discontinue its usage without a doctor’s approval. So make sure you mention it to your primary caregiver and get an alternative medicine that doesn’t carry the same side effects.
3. Mind Your Diet
Ingredients like garlic and onion, as flavorsome as they may be, can contribute to your bad breath. Their potent smell and taste can linger in your mouth even after you brush your teeth. So avoid these ingredients if you plan on hanging out with your friends or going on a date.
4. Develop A Cleaning Routine
Brushing your teeth is a crucial part of your hygiene routine. The leftover food particles in your mouth invite bacteria that can lead to build-up and infections, leading to bad breath and cavities. Therefore, establish hygiene standards such as brushing your teeth in the morning and deep cleaning them before bed. Make sure you brush correctly using a quality toothbrush with sturdy bristles that can get between your teeth like an electric toothbrush.
You should also floss your teeth and use fluoride and chlorine dioxide mouthwash to reduce gingivitis and plaque. If you have braces, ask your dentist how to clean your teeth and the wiring properly.
Gargling with salt dissolved in lukewarm water is also good for oral hygiene, says this trustworthy dentist in Germantown. This is because the salty water increases your mouth’s pH level, making the environment alkaline and unsuitable for bacteria growth.
5. Reduce Tobacco and Alcohol Consumption
Vices like smoking and drinking can add to your bad breath situation. The tobacco in cigarettes can mix with your saliva and settle in your mouth, causing a stale scent to spread in your mouth and throat. This smell lingers; even if you don’t smoke for days, the residue continues mingling with your breath. Likewise, alcohol dries up your mouth, which is also detrimental to your breath. A combination of tobacco and alcohol is a recipe for disaster, and you may end up with a persistent halitosis problem. Substitute alcohol for water and use nicotine patches to gradually curb your smoking problem, getting rid of the habit altogether.
6. Chew Sugar-Free Gum
Sugar can cause acid build-up, which is ideal for pathogens to thrive in your mouth. Mints and candies can temporarily relieve your bad breath problem, but they do more damage than good in the long run. While your breath may feel fresh, the sugar in these products can lead to tooth decay. Hence, your best bet in fighting your problem is to use sugar-free gums with natural sweeteners like xylitol. Your teeth and gums remain in good shape no matter how often you chew on this gum, and it also protects you from developing bad breath.
Final Thoughts
No one likes having bad breath. It can make you self-conscious about your body and lead to problems like cavities and painful toothaches. These are a nuisance to deal with, but unless you seek an immediate remedy, the problem is not going away anytime soon. If you are experiencing a dry mouth because of the medicines you are using, you can always request a substitute to nip the problem in the bud.
Other remedies to prevent terrible breath development include frequently brushing, having a clean diet free from potent ingredients, and reducing the amount of tobacco and alcohol you use. However, your first line of defense should always be to visit a dentist who can identify the root cause of the problem and help you solve it.
