Ways to Cure Bad Breath

Bad breath, or halitosis, is a common source of social discomfort and embarrassment. It is frequently caused by oral hygiene problems, the eating of certain foods or habits such as smoking. However, the mouthwashes and lozenges typically used to combat these causes are only temporarily helpful at best. Still, there are some relatively simple steps you can take to control or eliminate bad breath's most unwelcome effects.

Food Sources

• Common sources of problems include onions, garlic, strong spices and some vegetables, including cabbage and broccoli. Depending on your specific body, any number of food combinations can lead to difficulties. Keep a record of foods you eat to see which ones cause problems. If you discover a food culprit, eliminate it from or limit it in your diet.

Oral Hygiene

• Examine your daily oral hygiene. If you do not brush or floss your teeth on a regular basis, you are creating excellent conditions for the accumulation of food debris and bad breath-related bacteria (plaque). Brush at least twice a day and floss at least once daily. Make sure to brush your tongue, since bacteria buildup on your tongue can be a source of bad breath.

  Gum disease is another bad breath cause. Plaque buildup can lead to tooth decay and gingivitis. Left untreated, this buildup can also lead to periodontitis, characterized by plaque pockets forming between the teeth and gums. See your dentist or oral hygienist regularly, and work on any oral hygiene recommendations they give you. If you wear dentures, clean them regularly and make sure they fit properly, without gaps that trap food particles.

Dry Mouth

• Saliva freshens the mouth and helps wash away dead cells and debris, and its absence leads to problems. Common causes of dry mouth include consumption of alcohol (including mouthwashes containing alcohol), low daily fluid intake, and use of antihistamines, diuretics and some antidepressants. Do what you can to eliminate these causes, and consult your doctor about possible alternatives to medications that may be contributing to bad breath.

Tobacco

• Tobacco products of all kinds are sources of bad breath. If you smoke, chew tobacco or use snuff, work on eliminating your habit.

Deeper Causes

• If none of these steps eliminates or controls bad breath, you may be suffering from a deeper health issue that produces breath problems as a side effect. Consult your doctor or dentist for further diagnosis and information on potential causes.