18 February 2013

BAD BREATH



HOW TO DEAL WITH IT?

Halithosis, or bad breath occurs when noticeably unpleasant odors are exhaled in breathing. Halitosis is estimated to be the third most frequent reason for seeking dental aid, following tooth decay and periodontal disease.

Bad breath can result from poor dental health habits and may be a sign of other health problems. It can also be made worse by the types of foods you eat and other unhealthy lifestyle habits.

Tips to overcome bad breath:
    1. Maintaining good oral hygiene
o  Brush and floss daily—how often do you really floss? Debris builds up between teeth, decays and emits a foul odour. Flossing removes the debris.

o  Scape your tongue--Bacteria that build up on the back of your tongue or in between your teeth are the main culprits. Tongue scraper might just an important thing to do to eliminate odour-causing bacteria.

o  Denture hygiene- If you wear denture, be sure to remove them at night and clean them thoroughly before replacing them the next morning.

2. Replace your tooth brush 
o  Replace your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months to fighting bad breath. It is because toothbrush damp bristles can be host for bacteria.
 
    3. Water intake
o  To prevent dehydration and water can wash away the debirs.

    4. Chew sugar-free gum
o  Chewing sugar-free gum helps stimulate saliva. This helps cleanse the teeth and gums and prevents dry mouth.

 


    5. Balanced diet
o    Eat a healthy, balanced diet and avoid eating strongly flavoured or spicy food. E.g.onion, garlic.

o    Cut down on sugary food and drink because it can increase the amount of bacteria in your mouth.

    6. Alcohol-free mouthwash
o  Alcohol-containing mouthwash can mask the odour temporarily but it will contribute to dry mouth eventually.

 


Bad breath is an unpleasant condition that’s cause embarrassment. If you’re concerned about bad breath, see your dentist. Bad breath can be caused by a number of sources, and he or she can help identify the cause and determine the best treatment.