Bad breath is one of the most common oral problems faced by a large group of people. Bad breath, though not a serious disease in itself, may still cause a lot of social awkwardness. In some cases, it can also lead to psychological problems like a lack of confidence and lowered self esteem.
Lack of proper oral hygiene is the most likely cause of bad breath. Improper and irregular brushing habits may not clean the residual food particles from the mouth. These food particles, when decomposed, become a breeding ground for the bacteria present in the mouth. Over a period of time, poor oral hygiene will also lead to plaque and cavities. This will further help the bacteria to thrive. Besides oral hygiene, there are several other factors that may cause bad breath. Alcohol abuse, cigarette smoking, and improper diets are some of the other notable causes. Yet another cause of bad breath is lack of saliva in mouth. Due to underactive salivary gland or dehydration the mouth can become dry. Saliva is important to keep the tongue and mouth clean, therefore a lack of saliva in the mouth can also induce bad breath. Sometimes, bad breath may also indicate that the body is suffering from some underlying disease.
Remedies
To begin the treatment of bad breath, you will need to take care to maintain proper oral hygiene. Brush your teeth and floss your mouth regularly. It is also important that you clean your tongue each morning. Use a proper tongue cleaner or you can even gently rub the bristles of your toothbrush on your tongue. Also, visit a dentist regularly for check ups to ensure there is no deterioration. You should also gargle your mouth daily with warm saline water. You can add baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), clove oil, vinegar, or drops of hydrogen peroxide to the water you gargle with.
Another remedy for bad breath is to chew on parsley, basil, and mint leaves. Drinking herbal tea made with basil and mint leaves can also help remove bad odor from your mouth.
Diet is equally important in controlling bad breath. Avoid foods that contain high amounts of fat (like dairy products), volatile oils (ginger and garlic), and sugar. Also cut down on caffeinated beverages, as they can significantly increase the chances of bad breath. Finally, ensure that you drink ample amount of water every day so that your body does not suffer from dehydration.