5 Easy Ways To Keep Bad Breath At Bay

Bad Breath is one of those embarrassing social faux we all secretly fear. Some people don't realize that their breath can peel paint because people are afraid to tell them. Meaning most people who have bad breath are unaware of it. 

That means, other people have to suffer through or be put in an unenviable position of telling us our breath is horrible.

What Causes Bad Breath?

Studies show that 80% of bad breath cases comes from an oral source. For instance, cavities, gum disease, poor oral Hygiene can lead to bad breath, as can tonsils that have trapped food particles; cracked fillings, and dentures that are not kept clean

Several internal medical conditions can precipitate bad breath. They include diabetes, liver disease, respiratory tract infections, chronic bronchitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease- just to mention a few.

Five (5) ways to keep bad breath away

• Stay hydrated- Saliva is the first natural barrier to bad breath, without it, we will have dry mouth, and dry mouth is a conducive breeding ground for the bacteria that causes bad breath. Drinking water often will help to keep the oral environment hydrated.

• Sugar Free Peppermints and Gums – sugar containing Gums and peppermints creates a conducive environment for bacteria to multiply, creating a perfect storm for bad breath. Instead we should use sugar free Gums or peppermints. This will help to prevent bad breath. For those that already suffer from bad breath, sugar free Gums and mints will only mask the condition.

• Tongue scrapper – This is a key foe to our festering breath. Tongue scrapers are almost 7% more effective in cleaning the tongue than the toothbrush. That 7% might be all that is needed to take your breath from bad to fresh.

• Positive Oral Hygiene Behaviour – bad oral hygiene is the biggest cause of bad breath. Brush your teeth twice daily, floss between your teeth before brushing and after every meal to remove food debris, bacteria plaque from your teeth and gum line

•  Dental visits – Visit your dentist for your routine dental check up, scaling and polishing which should be done once every six (6) months.

Credits

Article written by Dr Okechukwu Umezurike (BDS lagos)

Dr Okechukwu Umezurike is a Dental surgeon, practicing dentistry for ten years with a focus in cosmetic dentistry. 

Dr Okechukwu Umezurike is a consulting dentist with Vital Hope Dental Clinic, lagos.

Contact Details:

Phone: 0805 534 6254
Whatsapp: 0806 352 5691
BBM PIN: 7AC0B1E4
Email: o.umezurike@vitalhopedental.com.ng

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