How to Cure Bad Breath: Effective Tips

The mouth is filled with bacteria, and more often than not a dirty mouth is what causes bad breath. Food often gets trapped between the teeth and along the gum line, which then becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. When this area is not cleaned, bad breath occurs. Another common cause is eating food that has a strong odour, such as garlic, onions, and even alcohol. These types of food lead to a bad odour that lingers on the breath. Occasionally, bad breath can be a sign of a serious illness, such as diabetes or kidney disease.

Learn how to cure bad breath by following these simple tips:

For the best results, brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. This should effectively remove the food and bacteria trapped between your teeth and gum line.

Brushing and flossing is not usually enough. The tongue is also a breeding ground for bacteria, dead cells and food debris. Use your toothbrush or a tongue cleaner to brush your tongue.

A dry mouth happens when there is not enough saliva in the mouth. This usually happens when you sleep and wake up with "morning breath."But it can occur at any time of day. Saliva is necessary to help clean your mouth and wash away food particles. Drink a lot of water throughout the day to help stimulate saliva production.

It is easy to avoid eating foods that tend to be the main culprits of bad breath, but you must also be wary of your diet. High protein and low carbohydrate diets may be good for your health but they can cause a foul odour in your mouth. Not eating enough carbohydrates will trigger your body to burn fat instead of sugar and, therefore, cause bad breath.

If you already practise good oral care habits but still have bad breath, it might be time to see your dentist to check if your breath is being caused by a more serious issue.

This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.