Bad breath, also called halitosis, can make you feel embarrassed and uncomfortable. Often, people try to mask bad breath with mints or alcohol-based mouthwashes, which can actually worsen your halitosis. Caused by the oral bacteria, food debris, and decay of human cells, bad breath can hurt your professional life and limit your social interactions.

Though we all experience periods of bad breath, certain issues cause chronic halitosis. Contributors to consistent bad breath include:

• Advanced gum disease
• Decreased saliva production
• Lactose intolerance
• Post-nasal drip
• Tobacco use
• Underlying conditions like diabetes and acid reflux

Halitosis occurs because of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), the odorous compounds that result from the breakdown of bacteria and food particles in your mouth. To address bad breath, you need to neutralize the acidity in the mouth and decreases VSCs. The following tips will help you curb bad breath:

Develop good hygiene habits
Use fluoride toothpaste, brush twice a day, and don’t forget to clean your tongue. As well, floss daily so that you remove food particles from between teeth.

See the dentist for checkups
At your regular appointments, your dentist will exam your mouth and look for any issues, like gum disease or dry mouth, that could cause halitosis.

Cut out tobacco products
Though it can be tough to kick the habit, giving up smoking will improve your breath, oral health, and overall wellness. Ask your dentist for suggestions to help you quit.

Drink plenty of water
Keeping your mouth moist ensures adequate saliva production. Sugarless gum or hard candy can also help achieve this goal.

Fight Bad Breath – Comfort Dental Weymouth Shahram Moghaddam DMD