There are many contributing factors of bad breath.
Whether your bad breath is a result of oral bacteria, dental conditions, sinus conditions, underlying health conditions, eating your favorite garlic dish, smoking cigarettes or overall poor oral hygiene, there are many ways to cure bad breath depending on the cause.
Did you know that your tongue is probably the major contributor of oral malodor (or bad breath)?If you're ever curious to see what your tongue and breath smells like, here's a simple self-test you might try.
Grab a spoon from your kitchen and scrape it over the back of your tongue.
Once you remove the spoon and inspect the findings, you may discover a yellow or whitish mucus-like substance with a foul odor.
Chances are that your breath smells the same way! There are several dental conditions that can cause bad breath.
Periodontal disease is the most prevalent of these.
Also, an abscessed tooth or an impacted wisdom tooth can be the underlying cause of your bad breath.
The best treatment for foul smelling breath caused by a dental condition is best provided by your dentist.
During your visit, the dentist often can make a diagnosis just by the smell of your breath! Another cause of a bad breath is often associated with sinus conditions such as post-nasal drip.
This secretion drips down on the back part of the tongue.
Once it lands on the tongue, it's quickly transformed into unpleasant malodor molecules as oral bacteria feeds on the secretion releasing even more stinking waste matter.
If you suspect that your bad breath is coming from post-nasal drip, perhaps taking an antihistamine to dry up nasal drainage is a remedy you might try.
Health conditions left untreated can also cause bad breath.
Health problems yet to be detected of the respiratory, liver, renal and gastrointestinal systems can often be accompanied by bad breath.
If you notice an unusual or foul oral odor not caused by any dental problems, you should visit your physician.
It's a common fact that foods such as onions and garlic can leave a long lasting effect on one's breath.
The most obvious cure for bad breath caused by strong flavored foods is to avoid eating them completely before a special occasion; however, if you do eat foods with a lasting unpleasant flavor, you can always brush your teeth after the meal and rinse your mouth out with a minty and fresh flavored mouthwash.
Smoking can also cause bad breath.
"Smoker's breath" is an obvious side effect of smoking, especially after many years of smoking.
Substances found in cigarettes such as tar and nicotine actually build-up on teeth, gums and the tongue.
This residue contributes to the unpleasant oral odor shared by most smokers.
The obvious cure for smoker's breath is to quit smoking.
Brushing your teeth after smoke breaks can help to minimize the odor.
Good oral hygiene is essential in controlling bad breath, regardless of the underlying cause.
Brushing your teeth at least three times a day and flossing daily is important in maintaining a healthy mouth.
You should also keep in mind that good oral hygiene not only means brushing and flossing your teeth, but also brushing your tongue.
By brushing your tongue, you can control the bad smelling oral bacteria.
After brushing and flossing, rinsing with a mouthwash also helps to control bad breath.
Practicing good oral hygiene not only eliminates bad breath, but it's also a step toward a healthier you!