10 Ways to Avoid Bad Breath

Bad breath is not only a minor medical curiosity, it is also an unsettling condition that undermines your social self-confidence with coworkers, friends, and loved ones. If you experience bad breath or even suspect that you may, take heart: bad breath can be defeated.

What causes bad breath?

There are many causes of bad breath; the most common are bacteria. Bacteria are microorganisms that live between the teeth and cover the tongue. When bacteria stagnate, they multiply and give off toxins and foul odor.  There are other causes of bad breath as well including: pungent foods, smoking, and even gastrointestinal problems.

How can I fight bad breath?

You don’t have to accept bad breath as your unfortunate lot in life. You can turn bad breath to fresh breath by applying a few simple remedies:

1. Brush your teeth, and tongue, twice daily – Brushing your tongue with fluoride toothpaste will remove bacteria. You can also buy inexpensive tongue scrapers at most pharmacies.

2. Floss once a day – Flossing detaches hidden food particles and removes plaque, a coating of bacteria that forms around the tooth and creates bad breath.

3. Gargle with peroxide – Peroxide can be used just like your favorite mouthwash to kill bacteria.

4. Use a fluoride mouth rinse for sweeter breath – It freshens your mouth and helps prevent tooth decay, which can cause bad breath.

5. Drink plenty of water – Lack of fluids can lead to dry mouth and cause bad breath.

6. Calm your upset stomach – Over-the-counter antacids may ease a sour or acidic stomach, which can cause halitosis when you burp.

7. Treat possible sinus infections – Bad breath is often a clue to an underlying sinus infection.

8. Eat yogurt for sweeter breath –Yogurt replenishes the good bacteria in the digestive tract and promotes a healthier mouth. Other helpful foods include celery, which moves odor-causing bacteria; and parsley, which has antibacterial and antifungal properties.

9. Chew gum with xylitol– Chewing gum makes you salivate and prevents a dry mouth, which can cause bad breath. Saliva washes away the bacteria in your mouth.

10. See your dentist – At least every six months, see your dentist for teeth cleaning and an oral exam. Your dentist can check your mouth and teeth for open cavities and gum disease that cause bad breath.

JBR Clinical Research is currently conducting a study for dental products that may help fight bad breath. If you are interested in participating in the mouth rinse and dental gel products study, please visit us online or call us at 801-261-2000.