Bad breath can negatively affect our self-esteem and can also lead to socialization problems and isolation.
Do you want to fight bad breath? In scientific terms, the set of unpleasant odors in the oral cavity is known as halitosis. However, this problem does not always have to do with poor hygiene.
A large percentage of adults suffer from halitosis throughout their lives. In general, the bad smell occurs because the back of the tongue becomes filled with bacteria.
The degree of the disorder varies over time. For example, the smell of saliva is strongest in the morning or can get worse on certain days.
It is very important to take into account the consistency of the saliva. In fact, if it is in good condition, it will absorb cellular residues more quickly.
If the saliva is scarce or cloudy, the bacteria have the opportunity to release putrefied compounds and, consequently, to cause bad breath.
Causes of bad breath
- Bad habits
- Side effects of drugs
- Stress
- Tooth disease
- Tartar on the tongue
- Tumors of the mouth, nose or throat
- Poor salivation
- Bacterial infections
- Smoking and alcohol
- Chronic diseases
In some cases the origin is uncertain and there is nothing else to do but attack the problem. But is there really a solution?
The first thing to do is to contact a specialist who makes a certain diagnosis and discards really serious problems. It is useless to take care of the mouth if the origin of the problem lies in some serious organ disorder, for example.
If it is a minor problem, do not hesitate to try one of the following tricks that will allow you to put an end to bad breath.
Tips to combat bad breath
1. Pay attention to your oral hygiene
It must be emphasized that adopting a cleaning routine and carrying it out every day is necessary to avoid the formation of thousands of bacteria.
It’s important:
- Wash the key areas: teeth, gums and tongue
- Floss twice a day to remove food particles
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and tongue scraper
- You need to brush as thoroughly as possible
- Go to the dentist at least once a year
- Gargle with baking soda from time to time to disinfect your mouth
- Put the toothbrush in hydrogen peroxide once a week
2. Take care of your diet to combat bad breath
There are foods that cause bad breath, especially those high in fat, meat, spices, dairy products or those containing a lot of sugar.
When products of this type are consumed in excess, the digestive process is more difficult and bad breath appears.
- Include antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables in your diet.
- Avoid drinks with large amounts of acid such as coffee .
- Remember that foods rich in sugar also damage the functioning of the throat.
- Drink infusions that fight bad breath, such as peppermint, green, or black tea.
3. Increase your vitamins
Lack of nutrients and vitamins could be the cause of bad breath.
Vitamins and minerals are antioxidants that keep tissues in good condition and protect cells and serve to counteract bad breath. By ingesting them, therefore, you will have a stronger immune system to attack any type of bacteria.
Don’t hesitate to add vitamin supplements to your diet to eliminate mucus and excess toxins.
4. Take care of the digestive system
A bad digestive process can be the cause of diseases such as gastritis, constipation or colitis; bad breath is one of the symptoms of these conditions.
Consider the following:
- Increase your intake of fiber (whole grains and fresh fruit).
- Eat foods rich in enzymes (papaya, avocado, pineapple).
- Include apple cider vinegar in your diet: it provides hydrochloric acid which is responsible for breaking down foods.
- Drink at least 2 liters of water a day.
5. Consume natural herbs
In nature there are countless plants with antibacterial and antiseptic properties. They are excellent allies for fighting bad breath.
- Rosemary, parsley, basil and thyme help eliminate it
- The mix of lemon and salt disinfects and moisturizes the area
- Clove tea
- Fennel keeps the tongue and gums healthy
- Chew apple or celery
- Sage essential oils help disinfect the oral cavity
Warning signs that require you to fight bad breath
- The bitter taste in the mouth indicates an excess of bilirubin and possibly a liver abnormality.
- A metallic odor is due to excessive uric acid and is a sign of kidney problems.
- The rotten smell reveals the possible presence of infections .
- Sweet breath indicates an increase in glucose, therefore it is very common among patients with diabetes.
Pay attention to your breath!
