Bad Breath Remedies

There are many people out there, who suffer from bad breath, which is medically termed as halitosis. We all know that it is a very common condition that may occur in almost every person's life, at one time or another. While, there are many different causes for bad breath, poor oral hygiene is found to be a major one. Even underlying medical conditions can be a reason for bad breath. So, it will be beneficial to diagnose the cause for this condition, so that it can be remedied at the earliest. This article will provide you with some bad breath remedies that may prove useful in getting rid of this condition. Before that, let us take a look at the possible causes of bad breath.

Bad Breath Causes

As mentioned above, bad breath can be caused by various reasons, right from poor oral hygiene to certain medical conditions. One of the most common cause is poor dental or oral hygiene. Absence of regular brushing and flossing may lead to bacterial growth on the teeth, gums as well as the tongue, leading to bad breath. Persistent bad breath, even after regular brushing can be due to gum diseases or other dental conditions. This includes gingivitis, tooth abscesses, dental caries, yeast infections, etc. Even dry mouth (xerostomia) can be a cause of bad breath. Apart from the above said causes, smoking, chewing tobacco products, excess alcohol consumption, etc., are found to cause halitosis.

There are certain medical conditions that may cause bad breath and these include sinus and throat infections, post nasal drip, pneumonia, bronchitis, allergies, acid reflux, digestion problems, certain kidney and liver conditions, diabetes, dehydration, etc. Dieting and stress may affective the digestive system and may cause bad breath. Another common cause of bad breath is consumption of foods, like, garlic, onion, etc. While, some of these causes are avoidable, others can be countered with lifestyle changes, remedies or treatment. The next paragraph deals with the commonly used bad breath remedies.

Remedies for Bad Breath

As discussed above, some of the bad breath causes are avoidable. These include poor oral hygiene, chewing tobacco, etc. A good oral hygiene regimen will work wonders for some people with this condition. You must brush and floss regularly and rinse with a good mouthwash (with no alcohol). You may also use a tongue scraper. Some people resort to gargling with hydrogen peroxide (3%), so as to counter bad breath. However, this chemical should be used in diluted versions and should not be swallowed. A dental check up, at regular intervals (at least twice a year) is also advisable, as this may help you to keep dental diseases at bay. Following are certain tips about how to get rid of bad breath.

• Avoid smoking, excess alcohol consumption and chewing tobacco-based products. Avoid foods that cause bad breath or else, use mouth fresheners after having such food.
• As certain medications can cause bad breath, consult your doctor, so as to rule out that possibility. Water is considered as a good bad breath cure. Drink lots of water and rinse your mouth, after each meal. Get the periodontal diseases treated.
• There are certain bad breath remedies that can be tried at home, to ward off this embarrassing body condition. Chewing fruits, like, apple, orange, guava, etc., may work wonders in tackling bad breath. Some people try brushing teeth with baking soda, for tackling bad breath.
• You may also chew a cardamom or some fennel seeds, cloves, spearmint or parsley, for this purpose. Consuming a small amount of plain yogurt may also be useful.
• You may prepare a homemade mouthwash with a cup of lukewarm water, one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and ¼ teaspoon of baking soda. You may also gargle with salt water, so as to get rid of bad breath.
• Green tea is one of the popular bad breath remedies. Even fenugreek tea and parsley infusion may be useful for this purpose. Juices prepared from green leafy vegetables are also said to be effective for countering bad breath.

Now, you have a fair understanding about bad breath and the commonly used bad breath home remedies. The above said is only a brief overview about the same. But, if your problem still persists, even after trying these bad breath remedies, then, make sure to consult your doctor, so as to rule out the possibility of any underlying medical condition. It's always better to consult your doctor, who will be the best person to advice you about bad breath treatment.

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