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How to Get Rid of Bad Mouth Smell?

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Medically Reviewed By Colgate Global Scientific Communications

A healthy smile, free from bad breath, is not just a cosmetic concern but a vital aspect of our daily interactions. Many of us might have pondered 'how to get rid of bad mouth smell'. Beyond the issues with teeth and gums, bad breath or oral malodor is a common oral health problem that can significantly impact our social interactions and daily activities. Let's understand what causes bad breath and the adequate remedies you can use to eliminate it.

What Causes Bad Breath?

Bad breath, medically called halitosis, is a foul smell from the oral cavity. Research shows that it prevails in quite a good share of the general population. A bad smell from the mouth can occasionally occur, especially after consuming certain foods. However, persistent bad breath may be a warning sign of underlying oral problems such as gingivitis (gum disease) or tooth decay. Some people may experience bad breath amidst a sinus or tonsil infection.

The majority of the bad breath causes are intraoral conditions, such as poor oral hygiene, dental problems or a tongue coat. The Indian Dental Association notes that the cause of bad breath is the decay of food particles that are not properly cleaned with brushing and flossing. The bacteria in the plaque buildup feed on these particles, producing waste that includes sulphur compounds, responsible for bad breath. Other causes include:

  • Respiratory tract infections

  • Systemic diseases (such as diabetes, liver and kidney disorders)

  • Gastrointestinal disorders (GERD)

  • Intake of some drugs

Ten Natural Remedies for Bad Breath

If you are wondering how to get rid of bad breath permanently, the answer lies in identifying and treating the underlying cause. Regular dental visits are crucial in empowering your dental care regimen, as they help diagnose and eliminate potential dental problems that cause bad breath. Treating health problems that contribute to oral malodor is also essential.

In a fast-paced lifestyle, looking for the most effective bad breath remedy at home is natural. There is not just one but many that will make a big difference to your dental health in the long run. They include:

Brush Regularly

Brushing your teeth is an inevitable part of oral care. Brush twice a day, preferably with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush, to remove the sticky film of bacteria from teeth and gums. Changing your toothbrush every three or four months is ideal. Toothpaste with antibacterial properties is an effective mouth smell solution, as it eliminates the odour-causing bacteria.

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

Bring home the Colgate Total Advanced Health formula to fight bad breath and enhance oral health!

Clean Your Tongue

Though it is often overlooked in dental care, tongue hygiene is an effective bad breath remedy. The tongue collects bits of food and bacteria that multiply if left uncleaned. While brushing, you may gently sweep the brush across the tongue to remove food particles and odour-causing bacteria to reduce bad breath. If you have a coated tongue, a tongue scraper may be helpful.

Floss Once a Day

Flossing, or interdental cleaning, is equally important as brushing your teeth. It removes tiny food particles trapped between the teeth, where the toothbrush may not reach. Flossing at least once a day helps remove food particles and plaque hiding in these areas, thereby controlling bad breath.

Clean Your Dentures and Retainers

People with dentures or retainers in their mouth may wonder how to get rid of mouth smell. Proper oral care includes maintaining the cleanliness of anything within your mouth. If you have dentures, ideally, remove them at night and brush them with a dental cleanser. If you have a dental retainer, cleaning it each time before putting it back in your mouth is ideal.

Avoid Certain Beverages

Excessive consumption of some beverages, such as coffee and alcohol, accompanied by poor dental hygiene, can cause bad breath. Research shows that regular consumption of alcoholic drinks, such as beer, wine, and whiskey, causes strong oral malodor and increases susceptibility to periodontal diseases. These drinks leave a residue that sticks to the plaque in your mouth, so each breath you take spews these smells back into the air.

Be Aware of Odorous Foods

Have you ever wondered how to reduce bad mouth smell after consuming a highly-flavoured food? Odours from certain foods, such as strong-tasting cheeses and essential oils from garlic, onions, and hot peppers, may linger for some time after a meal. While entirely avoiding garlic and onions, which are healthy foods, may not be ideal, consider rinsing your mouth thoroughly with a glass of water after the meal, among other remedies for bad breath.

Use Natural Breath Fresheners

Some herbs and spices in your kitchen, such as fennel seeds, clove, anise or parsley, can produce a pleasant odour in the mouth and freshen your breath. Parsley contains chlorophyll, a natural deodoriser. Carrying any of these with you can come in handy to chew on after eating an odour-causing meal. Drinking mint tea or chewing on mint leaves can also help.

Avoid a Dry Mouth

A dry mouth or xerostomia can cause bad breath. Staying hydrated helps with adequate saliva production to keep the mouth clean. Drink plenty of water, and avoid soft drinks, coffee, and alcohol, as they dry the mouth. In cases of severe dry mouth, your dentist may prescribe artificial saliva. The action of chewing produces enough saliva in the mouth. Chewing gums (preferably sugar-free gums), fennel seeds, or parsley provide a pleasant odour to cover bad breath smells.

Don't Smoke or Chew Tobacco

Aside from being harmful to health in many ways, smoking and chewing tobacco can cause bad breath. The unpleasant odour of these products lingers in the mouth after use. Besides causing tooth stains, regular smoking and tobacco use make you susceptible to gum diseases and respiratory diseases that contribute to oral malodor.  Avoiding them altogether is an effective bad breath remedy.

Get Regular Dental Cleanings and Check-ups

Making appointments for regular dental cleanings and check-ups is an essential part of dental care. Discuss your bad breath with your dentist to determine whether your issue stems from an oral cause, is a side effect of any medication, or is due to a health problem. Your dentist may suggest you consult a healthcare provider if the cause is not associated with your mouth.

Fresh breath is a sign of oral health. Bad breath, though a common concern, is treatable. While it is mainly linked to intraoral conditions, including poor oral hygiene, some health problems can also contribute to it. If you are wondering how to get rid of bad smell from your mouth, tackling the underlying causes is crucial. Consistent oral hygiene is the key, including brushing, flossing, tongue cleaning, regular dental check-ups, and other remedies mentioned above.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to get rid of bad mouth smell?

Good dental hygiene and addressing the potential causes help eliminate oral malodor. Brushing twice, flossing once daily, and keeping your tongue clean are essential. If the odour persists, it is ideal to consult your dentist to rule out underlying oral problems or medical conditions.

What is the best home remedy for bad breath?

While no single ‘best’ bad breath remedy exists, consistent oral hygiene is the key. It includes brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing once a day, and cleaning your tongue. Staying hydrated and limiting coffee, alcohol, and soft drinks can also help.

How to get rid of bad breath permanently?

The answer to ‘how to cure bad breath permanently’ lies in identifying and treating the root cause. While good oral hygiene is inevitable, regular dental checkups allow your dentist to diagnose and treat any underlying dental problems. If a health condition is causing bad breath, consulting a doctor might be necessary for permanent relief.

What is the best medicine to cure bad smell in the mouth?

An effective cure for bad breath comes from comprehensive dental care that focuses on good oral hygiene practices and regular check-ups. To tackle foul odour in the mouth, consider using toothpaste with antibacterial properties or swish your mouth daily with a dentist-recommended mouthwash or mouth rinse.

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