According to the Bad Breath Institute, between 35 and 45 percent of the people in the world suffer from bad breath. Of that 35 to 45 percent, 80 million of those are Americans who spend over $10 billion of oral hygiene products such as mints, gum, mouthwashes, and toothpaste to combat bad breath each year. No wonder there’s such a vast market for such products!
People that suffer from bad breath, or halitosis, can find that the experience may be embarrassing or a cause for anxiety-ridden situations. However, that should not be the case at all! It’s easy to improve your breath and keep your teeth and gums healthy at the same time!
It’s always an awkward situation to be in when you come to find that you may not have the most pleasant breath. Halitosis can be caused by a variety of reasons such as: different types of food, tobacco products, dry mouth, and the lack of good oral hygiene habits. According to TheraBreath, the unpleasant odor is usually attributed to a group of sulfur-producing bacteria that breed in the mouth. The bacteria feeds on food particles left behind contributes to the smell and can initiate tooth decay and gum disease.
To prevent bad breath, try some of these tips to keep your mouth fresh and clean!
Brush and Floss Thoroughly
Practicing good oral hygiene habits are crucial to keeping your mouth fresh, clean, and smelling great! Brush your teeth at least twice every day, and floss daily. Without these necessary cleaning habits, you may find a build of plaque on your teeth that collects bacteria which causes bad breath. Additionally, the plaque can manifest and lead to more serious dental problems such as tooth decay and gum disease.
Brush Your Tongue
We know, it may sound weird and feel weird, but it makes all the difference when preventing bad breath! In addition to scrubbing the teeth and gums, scrub the top of the tongue. When you eat, food particles are left behind developing more odor-causing bacteria in the mouth.
Avoid Certain Foods
Now, no one is saying you’ll need to completely cut out these foods; however, it’s important to be aware of what happens when you eat them. Foods such as onions, garlic, and spices are major contributors to bad breath as they contain a type of sulfur compound. When ingested, this odorous compound enters the bloodstream, travels to the lungs, and expels a distasteful smell when you exhale. Best way to combat this? Try to avoid eating these foods before social hour!
Drink Water
Yes, we’ve heard the rumors that “water heals all”, but in this case, it’s true! Drinking water serves two purposes when preventing and combating bad breath: it flushes out left behind food particles and it keeps the mouth moist with saliva. Saliva is nature’s way of flushing the mouth out. Without the moisture and saliva to flush the food behind, bacteria will flourish and the smell of your breath may suffer a tad. It’s okay, drink that extra glass of water after your meal!
If you realize that your bad breath does not subside with any of these preventative tips, make an appointment to speak with your doctor or dentist as you may be experiencing a more serious health concern. Bad breath doesn’t have to be an issue! By simply maintaining good oral hygiene habits and avoiding smelly, bad breath-inducing foods, you’re one step closer to always having minty fresh breath!