Friday, August 5, 2016

Tips to Prevent Bad Breath (Halitosis)


Bad breath, medically called halitosis, is a common problem that can affect anyone at any age. Bad breath is caused by sulfur containing compounds generally found in food and resolves after the food is fully digested.


This is a very sensitive subject of health and awareness. Bad breath does not affect only the person who has it, but also those around them. Some may not be aware of the problem and just go on with their daily routine, unless they are told directly by close friends or family. This can be very embarrassing and in some cases may even cause discomfort and anxiety.

Obviously nobody likes bad breath --- the foul smell resulting from poor dental health habits, certain foods, dry mouth, smoking and drinking alcohol. Bad breath may also be a symptom of something serious --- an underlying sign that there’s something not going right in the body.

Treatment for bad breath can vary, depending on the cause. Most will start with remedies like mouthwash, gum mints and other products designed to fight bad breath, so to cover up the odor temporarily. If bad breath is thought to be caused by other medical problems, and need to be investigated, a GP can help. Don’t try to hide the smell when seeking medical advice; otherwise it will be more difficult to diagnose what’s causing the problem.


Here are some tips:


1. Oral Health
Improve oral health by brushing teeth, gums and tongue every after eating. Use floss or inter dental cleaner to remove food particles between teeth. Any food trapped between your teeth is broken down by bacteria, which may cause bad breath. Also, change your tooth brush every 2 to 3 months or after an illness. See your dentist regularly.

2. Get more Probiotics in your diet
Consume more probiotic-rich foods like natural yogurts and kefir. Take quality live probiotic supplements. Probiotics are living bacteria; they help kill off yeast and other bacteria and other gas-producing bacteria. Lessen consumption of food products which contain high amounts of sugar for they affect microflora balance, allowing bad bacteria, fungi and yeast to thrive than good bacteria.

3. Use Peppermint Essential Oils 
Peppermint oil gives that lasting, fresh breath taste and reduces cavities. It has a pleasant odor and a certain compound that help kill bad breath bacteria. Add a drop under the tongue followed with a glass of water or a drop to a glass of water, gargle and spit out.

4. Use some Baking Soda
Baking soda is alkaline so it helps neutralize the acidity of the mouth. Brush teeth gently with a little baking soda at night or add about a teaspoon of it in a small glass of water and swish it around the mouth then spit out. Use toothpaste with calcium and phosphate salts in the morning to restore minerals to your teeth.



5. Foods 
  • Foods high in fiber help improve digestion and help the body expel toxins. 
  • Green leafy vegetable like parsley or cilantro are natural breath freshener because they are high in chlorophyll.
  • Citrus fruits and vegetables provide Vitamins A and C and antioxidants that are necessary for healthy teeth and gums.
  • Avoid foods like
    - onions and garlic, fried foods, other high fat foods -- cause bad breath
    - sticky foods like caramel that can stick to teeth and cause decay
    - sweetened beverages
  • Drink lots of water. This will keep your mouth moist which helps wash away food particles. 
  • Stop smoking and from drinking alcohol. 
  • Natural Beat-the-Bad Breath recipes
    a.     Coconut Oil
    Take 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and lightly swish between teeth for around 5-20 minutes.

    b. Homemade Mouthwash
    5 drops peppermint essential oil
    5 drops tea tree essential oil
    2 cups spring water
    Spray bottle

    Pour all ingredients into a bottle. Shake to mix. Take a small sip, swish mixture around in your mouth, gargle for 30 seconds and spit out. Do not swallow.

    c. Baking Soda Toothpaste4 tablespoons coconut oil
    2 tablespoons baking soda
    1 tablespoon xylitol powder
    20 drops cinnamon or clove essential oil
    20 drops peppermint essential oil
    30 drops trace minerals
    Glass jar with a lid

    Put all ingredients into a bowl and mix well together. You can use a food processor for mixing. Remove handmade toothpaste and store in glass jar with a lid. Add a little water if it starts to dry out.

    So if you or someone you love has severe bad breath, worry no more! Treating bad breath starts with the diet, dental hygiene and lifestyle to prevent this condition. Use natural ingredients in making recipes to avoid any health or skin complications. 







No comments:

Post a Comment