Halitosis, known informally as bad breath, is an embarrassing condition that affects about 20% of the population. Luckily, in most cases it can be prevented. While the causes of halitosis vary from person to person, the most common reasons include bacterial growth due to stray food particles and tooth decay—both of which can be easily treated. Here are some tips for keeping your own halitosis at bay.
Brush twice daily.
Brushing is one of the most important ways to fight halitosis. Your toothbrush should have a small enough head to reach to the very back of your teeth, where bad breath-causing food particles can become stuck. Additionally, make sure to thoroughly clean your toothbrush after every use to ensure that you’re not reintroducing any of the previous debris the next time you use it. When choosing a toothpaste, go for one that has a prominent scent, like cinnamon or mint. Fortunately, most toothpaste brands fight halitosis-causing bacteria, so you can pick one based around your personal preferences.
Floss every day.
Using floss daily is important for preventing halitosis-causing conditions such as tooth decay and gingivitis. Even though a well-chosen toothbrush will be able to remove most of the food particles from between your teeth, floss is essential for getting into the smallest, hard-to-reach crevices. In addition to removing food debris, floss also helps get rid of plaque, which is another common cause of bad breath.
Choose a good mouthwash.
Mouthwash will help you not only mask the existing signs of halitosis but also prevent new bacterial growths that can perpetuate it. When choosing a mouthwash, look for one labeled as “antimicrobial” or one that is specifically designed to fight bad breath. Additionally, gargling peroxide can work as an equally effective alternative to mouthwash.
Get regular dental checkups.
Tooth decay is frequently the culprit behind halitosis, but without regular dental exams this condition may not be detected until a person already has a bad breath problem. To avoid this embarrassing scenario, have a dentist look at your teeth roughly every six months. However, preventing tooth decay is not just about your breath—leaving this condition untreated can lead to other problems such as tooth pain and breakage.
