Is bad breath cramping your style? Chewing gum and mints might help for the next 30 minutes or so, but it won’t last forever! Bad breath, while majorly undesirable, is surprisingly common. A recent study conducted at the NYU College of Dentistry says “around 50 percent of adult population has bad breath at one point or another, and just about everyone has it in the morning.”
Andrew Spielman, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Professor of Basic Science and Craniofacial Biology at the NYU College of Dentistry has reported “bacteria” to be the definitive cause of bad breath. “The bacteria which cause break down of food and salivary proteins in the mouth hide out in the tongue which works much like Velcro to trap bad odours” he further added. So, it is important to brush and floss your teeth twice a day as the food particles that remain in your mouth promote bacterial growth which cause bad breath. Another cause of bad breath includes smoking or chewing tobacco-based products.
Here’s what you need to do in order to get rid of bad breath completely-
· Brush and Floss Twice a Day– Not only important for combatting bad breath, practicing good oral hygiene is important for your overall health. It is important that you brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste as it will help remove the food debris and plaque. Experts recommend replacing your toothbrush every two to three months or after an illness. Also, keep an antibacterial mouthwash handy with you and rinse twice a day.
· Stop Smoking– Cigarette smoking and chewing tobacco can cause bad breath, stained teeth and gum infections – not to mention the fact that it slowly kills you… So at the very least, for a good oral hygiene, it is important that you put a stop on these bad habits!
· Regular Visits to your Dentist– To prevent bad breath and maintain good oral hygiene, it is important that you see your dentist regularly. A dentist will conduct an oral checkup and teeth cleaning. Problems like dry mouth and periodontal disease that cause bad breath can be detected and treated during an oral examination.
· Keep your Mouth Well-Hydrated– Dry mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria. So, it is important that you keep your mouth moist. Chewing a gum or sucking a mint will stimulate the production of saliva which help wash away food particles and bacteria.
Integrating these simple steps in your daily routine will help you avoid a foul mouth … well most of the time!