How to prevent bad breath?
What Causes Bad Breath?
The cause of bad breath is a gas called volatile sulfur, which is a waste product of dead bacteria.
The unpleasant odor in breath is largely caused by issues within the mouth. An oral infection, advanced gum disease, or bacteria settling on food residues that have remained in the mouth for several hours can lead to bad breath.
Other systemic problems that can cause bad breath include:
- Tonsillitis
- Pneumonia
- Sinusitis
- Diabetes (acetone smell)
- Gastrointestinal diseases
- Kidney failure (fishy odor)
- Liver disorders
- Metabolic issues
The cause of bad breath should first be diagnosed, and treatment should be applied accordingly.
What to Do for Bad Breath Caused by Oral Issues
- All cavities should be treated.
- Gum disease should be treated, eliminating pockets and tartar buildup.
- Impacted and partially erupted wisdom teeth should be extracted.
Additional Steps to Prevent Bad Breath
- Brush your teeth for 3 minutes after each meal and use dental floss once a day.
- Keep your toothbrush in a dry and clean place, and rinse it thoroughly after use.
- The tongue has a rough and grooved surface where bacteria can easily settle and be difficult to remove. Brushing the tongue, especially the back part, along with the teeth is crucial for preventing bad breath. If brushing the tongue is uncomfortable, you can use a clean plastic spoon to scrape it from the root to the tip. Additionally, tongue brushes and scrapers available in the market can be very helpful.
- Mints, mouth sprays, and mouthwashes do not prevent bad breath; they only mask it temporarily for about 5-7 minutes.
- A mouth rinse made from a 50% water and 50% hydrogen peroxide solution may help reduce bad breath.
- For food-related odors (such as garlic, onion, or alcohol), drinking a glass of cold milk on an empty stomach the next morning can significantly reduce the smell.