Bad Breath Treatments
Halitosis or bad breath is really not as common as many people think. But many people worry about it. What are the best bad breath treatments?
Great Oral Hygiene
Obviously, this goes further than just brushing and flossing. Get those regular checkups because other problems may contribute to your bad breath problems. Things like periodontal disease, which is a common problem for people over 30. Do you have old crowns or fillings that may be in need of repair? They can become food and bacteria traps.
Sugarless Gum
Chewing sugarless gum will increase the saliva in your mouth. Your saliva is a natural antibiotic and will help to rid the bacteria in the mouth. Be sure it's sugarless or you will defeat the whole purpose by getting additional decay.
Vitamin C
Insufficient Vitamin C is one cause of bad breath. If you have a deficiency, it may help to take some supplements. Smokers typically have Vitamin C problems, but then their smoking is the real cause of the bad breath.
Proper Diet and Eating
Occasionally, people get a hunger odor. If that's the cause, then of course, eating is the solution. Healthy snacks such as celery, carrots and other vegetables will aid in preventing plaque. Drinking lots of water will keep the mouth (and body) hydrated. If you're feeling thirsty, be sure to swish the water around your mouth for a few seconds to loosen any bacteria.
Mouth Fresheners
Mouth fresheners make a great deal of sense. However, a lot of the over-the-counter mouthwashes do little more than just rinsing with water. Look for products that have zinc chloride or chlorhexidine in them. Zinc and zinc compounds help reduce the plaque forming process. A simple home mouthwash of hydrogen peroxide and water will kill any bacteria in your mouth. Be sure not to swallow!
Fortunately, bad breath treatment is relatively simple once the underlying cause has been determined. However, it can recur if a patient does not follow prescriptions, or change personal habits which lead to the problem. Bad breath may develop at any time, so being free of it at one point of time does not rule out the possibility of developing it later. It is best to ask an intimate friend or a member of the family to check periodically, and to keep every appointment with a dentist.
