Curing Bad Breath

Published May 16, 2010

Bad breath, or ‘halitosis’, is a common issue for many people. Bad breath may be caused by something as simple as what we eat, or may stem from more serious issues, such as bacteria in the mouth or digestive system issues. When bad breath becomes worse or cannot be resolved, it is known as ‘chronic’ halitosis.

Good daily oral hygiene, which includes brushing, flossing and rinsing, is your first defense in keeping bad breath at bay, despite having your natural teeth or dentures. This is because decaying food particles stay stuck in spaces between your teeth, on your gums and on your tongue, so other than that quick swig of Listerine, brushing and flossing are mandatory. Consider purchasing an electric toothbrush. While some can be quite pricey, several inexpensive brands are available in battery-operated versions, which help you do a better job of brushing for $5.00 or less.

Another lesser-known cause of bad breath is gum disease, also known as periodontal disease which cause persistent bad breath. Dry mouth, a condition in which the mouth does not produce enough saliva to cleanse your mouth of decaying particles can also lead to bad breath. And finally, strong foods like garlic and onions or certain medications, cigarette and cigar smoking can be contributing causes.

For some people, despite their best efforts are good oral hygiene, avoiding smoking, and other methods to cure bad breath, the problem persists. For these individuals, persistent bad breath may be related to a more serious health problem that is gastrointestinal, respiratory or sinus-related.

Here are some tips for natural bad breath treatments you can try at home:

Chew a peppermint candy
Try taking one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar before every meal
Eating pumpkin daily helps some people
Try brushing your teeth with baking soda instead of over-the-counter toothpastes. Be sure to brush your tongue where many bacteria live
Drink a tea made from parsley
Drink chamomile tea, which also has a soothing effect
Gargle with salty water to loosen bacteria and encourage it to wash away

When beginning any oral health care routine designed to rid yourself of bad breath, remember that mouthwashes and rinses only temporarily freshen breath, masking the real reason why the bad breath is occurring in the first place. It is wise to follow the recommendations of The American Dental Association, who acknowledge the effectiveness of some anti-microbial mouth rinses in reducing plaque and gingivitis. Aside from systemic diseases, excellent oral hygiene habits never fail in reducing and eliminating that pesky halitosis. Don’t forget what your mother told you…”Brush and floss your teeth every day and see the dentist every six months to make sure your teeth are white and your breath stays fresh.”

If your bad breath persists despite your best efforts to stop it, make an appointment to visit your family physician for a checkup to see if another disorder is the cause. Your physician will perform a physical and possibly refer you to a specialist based on his or her findings.

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