While there’s nothing life-threatening about halitosis—which is known informally as bad breath—it can be a socially embarrassing and debilitating condition. Thankfully, most cases of it can be addressed at home. Here are a few remedies for keeping your own bad breath under control.
Use mouthwash.
Mouthwash is one of the most common remedies for halitosis. It not only masks your bad breath, but it can also target bacteria in your mouth that may be causing it. However, this only occurs with mouthwash that is specifically antibacterial. The only drawback to using mouthwash is its impermanence—your halitosis will return once its effects have worn off.
Brush and floss.
Brushing and flossing are two things you should be doing anyways, but they’re especially important for people suffering from halitosis. Food particles can become trapped between the spaces in your teeth, and they can begin to smell if left undisturbed. Additionally, these food particles are the perfect breeding ground for halitosis-causing bacteria as well. Brushing and flossing can keep your teeth free of debris and your mouth smelling good.
Stay hydrated.
One of saliva’s primary functions is to wash away and food and bacteria that accumulates in your mouth. If you’re not drinking enough water, your body may not be producing enough to keep your mouth smelling nice. Professionals’ recommendations for water intake vary, but the classic “eight glasses a day” is a good place to start.
Ditch the tobacco products.
Cigarettes and chewing tobacco can make an otherwise nice mouth smell foul very quickly. Obviously there are some other major health reasons why you should ditch these products, but stop using them for the sake of your breath, if nothing else.
Have your teeth checked.
In severe cases, halitosis can be caused by dental problems such as cavities or infections, and these are issues that can’t be fixed with some mouthwash or a glass of water. Regular dental checkups are important for overall oral health, but they can also help your dentist spot any conditions that may be spurring your halitosis on.
