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Effective Tips for Bad Breath Treatment

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Medically Reviewed By Colgate Global Scientific Communications

Halitosis, commonly known as bad breath, is a common issue that affects nearly everyone at some point. If you are experiencing bad breath and are looking for a proper bad breath treatment, then it is essential to identify its root cause. The mouth is filled with numerous bacteria, and when food particles are left behind after eating, these bacteria break down the food, releasing foul-smelling compounds. 

Continue reading to learn more about other causes of bad breath and discover how to effectively combat it by following certain tips.

Tips For How to Cure Bad Breath?

While people consider poor oral hygiene to be the major factor contributing to bad breath, other causes exist as well. Certain foods, like garlic, onions, alcohol, tobacco products, and other dental conditions like tooth decay or an oral cavity, can also be the reasons for bad breath because they directly impact the mouth. If you are struggling with bad breath, try these simple tips to manage it effectively.

Brush Your Teeth And Floss Regularly

Practice good oral hygiene and maintain a clean mouth, which can make you less likely to smell. To get effective results, brush your teeth twice a day using fluoride toothpaste and floss daily. This helps to remove food particles that can become trapped between the teeth and at the gum line, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. These bacteria release smelly gases, resulting in bad breath.

Consider using the antibacterial Colgate Total Advanced Health toothpaste, formulated with Dual Zinc and Arginine. It offers 12-hour protection from harmful bacteria for your whole mouth, including your teeth, gums, tongue, and cheeks. It eliminates bad breath and enhances the health of your teeth and gums.

Clean Your Tongue

While brushing and flossing can help remove food trapped between the teeth and gums, it is essential to note that the tongue can also contribute to bad breath. Bacteria can live for a long time at the back of the tongue without being disturbed. They can also trap dead cells and food debris, contributing to bad breath. To prevent this, you may use a tongue scraper or another suitable device to clean the tongue regularly.

Hydrate Often

Dry mouth is a common cause of halitosis. It occurs when there is not enough saliva in the mouth. A dry mouth may be caused as a side effect of certain medicines, a salivary gland disorder, or even when breathing through the mouth. You may find your breath smelling bad in the morning because saliva flow is reduced while sleeping, resulting in “morning breath.” To stimulate saliva production and prevent bad breath, drink plenty of water and keep your body hydrated.

Watch What You Eat

Instead of consuming foods that cause your breath to smell, like onion and garlic, opt for foods that help clean your mouth and tongue. Abrasive foods such as celery and carrots can act as natural mouth cleaners, which helps prevent bad breath. However, avoiding strong-smelling foods may not suffice. High-protein and low-carbohydrate diets can also contribute to an unpleasant mouth odour. For instance, insufficient carbohydrate intake can lead your body to burn fat instead of sugar, resulting in a form of bad breath commonly known as "keto breath."

Visit Your Dentist

If you are already practising good oral care habits but still experiencing bad breath, it might be time to see your dentist to check if your breath is being caused by a more serious issue, such as gum disease. Additionally, your dentist can provide professional guidance on maintaining oral hygiene and recommend suitable bad breath treatments, if necessary. 

How Can Bad Breath Caused by Medication be Cured?

Certain medications, especially those that cause dry mouth as a side effect, can lead to bad breath by reducing saliva flow. These medications typically include those used to treat high blood pressure, anxiety, or depression. Moreover, some medications can release chemicals that contribute to unpleasant mouth odours. 

If you suspect that your dry mouth is being caused by a medication you are taking, it is essential to talk to your healthcare professional about your concerns. They may be able to switch you to a new medication, give you bad breath treatment, or provide advice for managing dry mouth.

How to Cure Bad Breath From Throat Mucus?

Congestion in your nasal passages or sinuses, perhaps due to allergies or an infection, can cause a condition known as post-nasal drip. This occurs when mucus drips down from the nasal area into the back of your throat, often leading to bad breath. If you have a short-term infection, your post-nasal drip and bad breath should resolve as you recover. However, if you have allergies or chronic congestion, it is important to consult your doctor for advice on how to get rid of bad breath.

How to Cure Bad Breath From The Stomach?

Sometimes, your stomach can be the culprit of bad breath. For instance, gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, can cause stomach acid to escape from your stomach and travel into the oesophagus (food pipe), resulting in a sour smell on your breath. Other conditions, such as Crohn’s disease, can lead to partially digested food fermenting in your digestive system, creating an unpleasant odour. If you have gastrointestinal conditions like these, your healthcare professional can provide advice on how to treat bad breath and offer the proper bad breath remedy for you.

Can Bad Breath be Cured Permanently?

In most cases, proper oral care habits can cure bad breath. You may start by improving your oral hygiene and diet, getting regular dental check-ups and professional cleaning, and addressing any other health problems that may be the underlying medical condition causing bad breath. If these measures do not help, your dentist can assist you in identifying the root cause and finding a solution to your query on how to cure bad breath permanently.

Bad breath is a common issue that many face, but the good news is that it is manageable with the right approach. Identifying its underlying cause, whether poor oral hygiene or other health conditions, helps in taking effective steps to prevent it. Maintaining proper dental hygiene by brushing regularly, using antibacterial toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush, using mouthwash, and visiting your dentist regularly will help you keep your breath fresh. For bad breath due to medications or health issues, consult healthcare professionals for personalised advice and effective bad breath treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to get rid of bad breath? 

To get rid of bad breath, maintain proper oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly, cleaning your tongue, and using mouthwash. Stay hydrated and avoid foods that cause bad breath, like garlic and onions. If bad breath persists, consult a dentist to check for underlying health issues like gingivitis or periodontitis and to get effective bad breath treatment.

What is the fastest way to cure bad breath at home?

The fastest way to cure bad breath at home is to brush your teeth and tongue thoroughly, floss to remove food particles, and rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouth rinse. Additionally, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and chew sugar-free chewing gum to stimulate saliva production. You may also try home remedies for bad breath for temporary relief, however, for a permanent solution, it is essential to consult a dental professional. 

How to cure bad breath permanently?

To cure bad breath permanently, brush your teeth regularly and floss daily to remove food particles and plaque buildup. Brush your tongue to eliminate bacteria and food debris. If you have any dentures, retainers, or mouth guards, clean them regularly. However, if your bad breath persists even after trying a bad breath remedy, then consult with your dental professional to get the right bad breath treatment and to maintain oral health.

Which medicine is best for mouth smell?

Using toothpaste and mouthwashes that contain antibacterial agents is considered effective for reducing bad breath. If you are looking for a quick fix, try using tablets to stop bad breath which are available over-the-counter. For a more personalised suggestion, consult your dental professional, who can recommend a specialised mouth smell solution based on your needs.