6 ways to deal with bad breath

 “Bad breath or halitosis often occurs not only because you don't maintain the cleanliness and health of your teeth and mouth, but also because of certain medical conditions. This article discusses the risk factors for bad breath and how to effectively deal with this health problem.”

Thedoctormedical, united states – Bad breath or halitosis is a very disturbing health problem. Apart from reducing self-confidence, this problem can also interfere with social activities because it makes the sufferer feel uncomfortable. So, what are the causes of bad breath and how to deal with it?

What Causes Bad Breath?

Before knowing how to deal with  bad breath , it is important to identify the cause first. There are several factors that can cause bad breath, the main ones being problems with the teeth and mouth, such as cavities and gum problems. In addition, halitosis can also occur due to certain health conditions, such as:

Diabetes.
Heart trouble.
Respiratory tract infections such as chronic bronchitis.
Dry mouth or xerostomia, which occurs due to impaired saliva production due to accumulation of bacteria in the mouth.
Gastrointestinal disorders.
Sinusitis that causes post nasal drip, which is the flow of thick mucus from the sinuses to the throat.
In addition to these factors, maintaining good oral hygiene is also important so you don't experience halitosis. Avoiding foods that have strong odors, stopping smoking and consuming alcohol, and maintaining a balanced carbohydrate intake can also help reduce this problem.

How to Avoid Bad Breath?

Back to the previous question, here are some tips you can try to get rid of bad odors in your mouth:

1. Keep your mouth and teeth clean

The first and most important step is to keep your mouth and teeth clean. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, use dental floss to clean between your teeth, and rinse your mouth with non-alcoholic mouthwash.

In addition, you should also replace your toothbrush every two months and have regular dental checkups at least every six months. If you wear dentures, be sure to clean them regularly so that food residue doesn't build up and cause the growth of bacteria that trigger bad breath.

2. Increase fiber and water intake

Consumption of foods high in fiber can help maintain the body's metabolism and prevent bad breath and indigestion. Apart from that, drinking enough water can also prevent the mouth from becoming dry, which also triggers this condition.

3. Stop unhealthy habits

Another way to deal with bad odor in the mouth is to stop doing unhealthy habits. Avoid smoking, alcoholic beverages and caffeine. In addition, also avoid eating foods with strong odors such as jengkol, petai, onions and durian.

4. Prevent bad breath by chewing gum

Next, chew gum. Choose gum that is sugar free and contains xylitol. The content is effective against bad breath while inhibiting the growth of bacteria. You can chew xylitol gum for five minutes after eating.

5. Use natural ingredients

You can also overcome bad breath by using natural ingredients such as betel leaves. If you are not comfortable chewing it, you can rinse your mouth with boiled water of betel leaves. Apart from betel leaves, you can also use cloves, cinnamon, and peppermint leaves in the same way to get rid of bad odors in your mouth.

6. Consumption of yogurt
Consuming 85 grams of sugar-free yogurt twice a day for six weeks was also found to help overcome bad breath. This is because yogurt can reduce levels of sulfide compounds which are the cause of bad breath odor.