10 Causes and Remedies for Bad Breath

According to research from the Academy of General Dentistry, more than 80 million people worldwide suffer from bad breath, a sign of health problems.

The following are common causes of bad breath,o CNN.

Poor dental care

This is the number one cause of bad breath. When food gets stuck between your teeth and gums, bacteria can enter, causing a rotten egg smell. Floss your teeth first. If there is a bad smell, you have bad breath.

Brush and floss regularly. When brushing, clean your tongue and cheeks to clean your mouth and kill bacteria. "Mouthwash and chewing gum only temporarily cover up bad breath, not long-term solutions," says the dentist.

Eat and drink smelly food

Coffee, garlic, fish, eggs, onions, and spicy foods are all foods that cause bad breath. The smell will linger in your mouth even after you brush your teeth. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, the allyl methyl sulfide in coffee, onions, and garlic can stay in your bloodstream for up to 72 hours after consumption.

You should eat other foods such as lemon, parsley and crunchy vegetables like apples or carrots to stimulate saliva production and wash away impurities. You should also drink plenty of water to limit odor.

Sweets

Sugar is very bad for your teeth. Eating too much causes bacteria in your mouth to cause bad breath. Especially sticky candies. Eat candies that are low in sugar and dissolve faster in your mouth.

Diet

Eating a lot of protein and few carbs will cause your body to burn fat for energy. The waste is then excreted through your urine and your breath causing odor.

Therefore, when you are on a diet, you need to drink more water to help waste products leave your body quickly. You can eat mints or sugar-free gum to soothe your bad breath.

Night Breathing

At night, saliva production decreases, which is why many people wake up with bad breath and mouth odor, even those who brush and floss regularly. Breathing or snoring dries out your mouth, causing discomfort and bad odor. You may experience a sore throat, hoarseness, difficulty speaking and swallowing, and even a change in your sense of taste.

At that time, you should persevere to drink more water and maintain oral hygiene both morning and night. In addition, you should also have regular dental check-ups to determine the main cause for correction.

Take medicines

Hundreds of medications can dry out your mouth and cause bad breath, such as those used to treat stress, depression, high blood pressure, pain, and muscle tension. Therefore, you should check the ingredients and side effects of the medication and consult your doctor to protect your health.

Stuffy nose or allergies

When you have a respiratory disease, chronic sinusitis is also a cause of bad breath. When your nose is blocked, you are more likely to breathe through your mouth, which dries out the tissues and reduces the flow of saliva. Therefore, you should also see a dentist for appropriate treatment advice.

Cigarette

The smell of tobacco often sticks to clothes and furniture. Cigarette smoke also dulls the senses, reducing the ability to smell and taste. Smoking causes loss of saliva, which in turn makes your breath worse. There is no other way but to quit smoking and practice good oral hygiene.

Alcohol

Alcohol and beer are drinks that dry out your mouth, especially those containing sugar, which also create an environment for bacteria to form. You can eat sugar-free candy or chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production. In addition, don't forget to drink water, take care of your teeth and floss regularly.

Health problems

Having heartburn, acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease can also cause bad breath. Bad breath can also be an early sign of an underlying disease such as diabetes, kidney failure, or cirrhosis.

Therefore, you should regularly go for dental checkups to detect early and provide the best treatment for your body.