Seven Proven Ways to Fight Halitosis

You lean in to kiss your spouse, and he turns his head away. Your best friend hands you a breath mint. The kids and dog don’t even let you talk to them.

If so, it’s time you talk to your dentist in Kennewick and doctor about your breath. Halitosis, more commonly known as bad breath, can be an embarrassing condition but also be a sign of other health issues.

Don’t despair. There is help for your smelly breath.

The first step is to find out the cause. If it’s a medical condition your doctor can help. For oral problems, your dentist can offer solutions.

There are several remedies you can start with. Here are seven:

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene can help stop bad breath before it starts. As you eat the food particles can, and often do, get stuck in the pits, crevices, and areas between your teeth. When food gets trapped in the warm, moist environment of the mouth, it grows bacteria. The bacteria becomes acidic. This acid eats away the enamel of teeth, causing holes or cavities and other health issues of the mouth. This can create foul smelling breath.

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day, or after every time you eat, with a fluoride toothpaste can remove any food particles that may become trapped. Flossing and rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash once a day can also clean your mouth and help eradicate the possibility of bad breath.

Regular dentist visits

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends visiting your dentist at least once or twice a year. If you have concerns or dental problems, the ADA recommends visiting your dentist more frequently.

Your dentist will give you a complete oral exam to determine if there are any health issues. Generally, a dental technician will follow up with a professional cleaning. If an oral health issue is found, your dentist can give you a treatment plan to fit your health needs.

Taking care of oral health problems such as cavities before they become an issue can help stop Halitosis before it starts.

Eliminating Tobacco Products

Tobacco products, such as cigarettes and chewing tobacco, can cause a form of bad breath called smoker’s breath. Inhaling tobacco smoke leaves smoke particles in the throat and lungs causing a stale smell. This odor can stay in the lung for hours, and this is the air you are breathing out.

Many of the chemicals in tobacco have a pungent odor that lingers in the mouth, throat, and lungs. Tobacco use also causes a thick layer of tartar to build up on the teeth. A professional dental cleaning can take care of this problem.

Drink Plenty of Water

Drinking plenty of water can help rinse away any food particles caught in your mouth. Water can also help dry mouth, which can lead to bad breath.

The best water to drink for oral health is tap water containing fluoride. The fluoride helps strengthen the enamel on your teeth, making it harder for acids to corrode the surface.

Fruits, Vegetables and Whole Grains

A diet including fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can keep your immune system strong to fight off infections. It also strengthens teeth, and gums for overall oral health. This can help in eradicating tooth decay and gum diseases, which can cause bad breath.

Although certain foods such as onions and garlic are good for you, they can leave your breath with a strong stench. Eat them in moderation. And brush your teeth after eating them as a courtesy to the noses of everyone around you.

Natural remedies

Herbs that you probably already have in your kitchen can help with foul smelling breath. Chewing fresh mint or parsley will leave your breath with a clean, minty scent.

Regular Doctors Check-ups

Certain medical conditions can cause Halitosis. These can include pneumonia; bronchitis; chronic sinus infection; post-nasal drip; diabetes; chronic acid reflux; and liver or kidney disease. Getting medical treatment for underlying causes can help eradicate any bad breath issues.

Some medications may have bad breath as a side effect. Let your doctor know if you are experiencing bad breath symptoms. A thorough medical examination may help determine the cause of your halitosis.

Where to Start

Although an embarrassing ailment, halitosis can be treated. A good first step if you are suffering from bad breath is to make an appointment with your dentist. A thorough dental exam will help in diagnosing a cause.

Are you struggling with halitosis and searching for a dentist and live in the Kennewick, Washington area? We at Kennewick Dental can help determine a cause of your bad breath and work with you on a treatment plan. Contact us to schedule your appointment. We understand the factors that can cause bad breath and the treatments that are proven to fight halitosis.