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How to quickly get rid of bad breath. 10 Quick and Easy Home Remedies to Eliminate Bad Breath Instantly

How can you get rid of bad breath quickly using items at home. What are the most effective natural remedies for halitosis. Which household ingredients can freshen your breath instantly. How to make a DIY alcohol-free mouthwash for fresh breath. What daily habits help prevent chronic bad breath long-term.

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Understanding the Causes of Bad Breath

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be an embarrassing and persistent problem. But what actually causes this unpleasant odor? There are several common culprits:

  • Poor oral hygiene leading to bacteria buildup
  • Dry mouth and reduced saliva production
  • Certain foods like onions and garlic
  • Smoking and tobacco use
  • Underlying health conditions

Understanding the root cause of your bad breath is the first step in effectively treating it. While chronic halitosis may require professional dental care, there are many quick and easy home remedies you can try to freshen your breath instantly.

Hydration: Your First Line of Defense Against Bad Breath

Can simply drinking more water really help combat bad breath? The answer is a resounding yes. Proper hydration is crucial for maintaining fresh breath. Here’s why:

  • Water helps rinse away food particles and bacteria
  • It stimulates saliva production, which naturally cleanses the mouth
  • Hydration prevents dry mouth, a common cause of bad breath

Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day. Carry a reusable water bottle with you as a reminder to stay hydrated throughout the day. Your breath (and overall health) will thank you.

Natural Rinses to Freshen Your Breath Instantly

Looking for a quick fix for bad breath? Try these natural mouth rinses using common household ingredients:

Salt Water Rinse

A simple salt water gargle can work wonders for freshening breath. Here’s how to make it:

  1. Mix 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water
  2. Swish the solution in your mouth for 30 seconds
  3. Spit out and repeat as needed

Salt water helps kill bacteria and neutralize odors, providing quick relief from bad breath.

Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

Apple cider vinegar is particularly effective against strong odors from foods like onions and garlic. To use:

  1. Add a generous splash of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water
  2. Swish around your mouth for 30 seconds
  3. Spit out and rinse with plain water

The acidic nature of apple cider vinegar helps neutralize odor-causing bacteria, leaving your breath fresher.

Nature’s Breath Fresheners: Foods That Fight Bad Breath

Did you know that certain foods can actually help freshen your breath? Here are some natural breath fresheners you might already have in your kitchen:

Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables

Apples, celery, and carrots act as natural toothbrushes. Their crunchy texture helps scrub away plaque and food particles that can cause bad breath. Plus, chewing these foods stimulates saliva production, which further helps cleanse the mouth.

Citrus Fruits

Oranges, lemons, and other citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C. This vitamin helps increase saliva production and creates an inhospitable environment for odor-causing bacteria. The fresh, citrusy scent also helps mask unpleasant odors.

Herbs and Spices

Certain herbs and spices can instantly freshen your breath. Cloves, for instance, have natural antibacterial properties and leave a pleasant aroma. Simply suck on or chew a few cloves throughout the day. Just be sure to use whole cloves, as clove oil or powder can cause burns.

DIY Alcohol-Free Mouthwash: A Natural Solution for Fresh Breath

Many commercial mouthwashes contain alcohol, which can dry out your mouth and potentially worsen bad breath over time. Why not make your own alcohol-free mouthwash at home? Here’s a simple recipe:

  • 1 cup warm water
  • 1/2 tablespoon cinnamon
  • Juice of two lemons
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Mix all ingredients thoroughly and store in a clean container. This homemade mouthwash will stay fresh for up to two weeks. Use it daily for a natural, alcohol-free way to freshen your breath.

Essential Oils: Harnessing Nature’s Power for Fresh Breath

Essential oils have gained popularity for their various health benefits, including their ability to combat bad breath. One particularly effective essential oil for halitosis is tea tree oil. Here are three ways to use tea tree oil for fresher breath:

  1. Add a few drops to your toothpaste before brushing
  2. Mix a few drops in warm water for a mouth rinse
  3. Brush your teeth directly with diluted tea tree oil (in addition to regular brushing, not as a replacement)

Remember, essential oils are potent and should be used carefully. Always dilute them properly and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.

Perfecting Your Oral Hygiene Routine for Long-Term Fresh Breath

While quick fixes can provide temporary relief, maintaining good oral hygiene is key to preventing bad breath long-term. Here are some essential steps to include in your daily routine:

Proper Brushing Technique

Brush your teeth at least twice a day, ideally after every meal. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Brush for at least two minutes, covering all surfaces of your teeth and your tongue.

Flossing

Floss at least once daily to remove food particles and plaque between teeth. When flossing, be sure to hug the floss around each side of the tooth for maximum effectiveness.

Tongue Cleaning

Your tongue can harbor bacteria that cause bad breath. Gently scrub your tongue with your toothbrush or a tongue scraper daily. Rinse thoroughly afterward.

Sugar-Free Gum

Chewing sugar-free gum after meals can stimulate saliva production, helping to cleanse your mouth and freshen your breath. Look for gums with xylitol, which has additional oral health benefits.

When to Seek Professional Help for Persistent Bad Breath

While home remedies can be effective for occasional bad breath, persistent halitosis may indicate an underlying issue. Consider consulting a dentist if:

  • Bad breath persists despite good oral hygiene
  • You experience other symptoms like dry mouth, sore throat, or postnasal drip
  • You haven’t had a dental check-up in over six months

A dentist can help identify any underlying causes of chronic bad breath, such as gum disease, tooth decay, or other health conditions. They can provide professional treatments and personalized advice to help you achieve long-term fresh breath.

Lifestyle Changes for Fresher Breath and Better Oral Health

Beyond specific remedies and oral hygiene practices, certain lifestyle changes can significantly impact your breath and overall oral health:

Quit Smoking

Smoking not only causes bad breath directly but also increases your risk of gum disease and other oral health issues. Quitting smoking can dramatically improve your breath and overall health.

Limit Odor-Causing Foods

While you don’t need to eliminate them entirely, be mindful of consuming foods known to cause bad breath, such as onions, garlic, and certain spices. If you do eat these foods, brush your teeth or use a breath freshener afterward.

Stay Hydrated

As mentioned earlier, proper hydration is crucial for maintaining fresh breath. Make a conscious effort to drink water throughout the day, especially after meals and snacks.

Manage Stress

Stress can lead to dry mouth and poor oral hygiene habits. Practice stress-management techniques like meditation, regular exercise, or speaking with a therapist to support your overall health, including your oral health.

The Role of Diet in Maintaining Fresh Breath

Your diet plays a significant role in your breath odor. Beyond avoiding odor-causing foods, consider incorporating these breath-friendly foods into your diet:

Probiotic-Rich Foods

Yogurt, kefir, and other probiotic-rich foods can help balance the bacteria in your mouth, potentially reducing bad breath. Look for sugar-free varieties to avoid feeding harmful bacteria.

Green Tea

Green tea contains polyphenols that can help reduce oral bacteria. It also has a pleasant, mild flavor that can help mask bad breath temporarily.

Fibrous Vegetables

Vegetables like celery and carrots not only help clean your teeth as you chew but also promote saliva production. Their high fiber content also supports digestive health, which can indirectly affect your breath.

Herbs

Fresh herbs like parsley, mint, and cilantro can naturally freshen your breath. Try chewing on a sprig of parsley after meals for a quick breath freshener.

Remember, maintaining fresh breath is about more than just quick fixes. It’s about cultivating good oral hygiene habits, making smart dietary choices, and addressing any underlying health issues. By incorporating these tips and remedies into your daily routine, you can enjoy fresh, confident breath day in and day out.

10 Easy Home Remedies for Bad Breath

Dental Tips |4 min read

What’s worse than being around someone with bad breath?

When you’re that someone.

Especially when you don’t realize it, and someone else tells you.

To be fair, it’s actually very hard to sense the smell of your own breath. That’s why it pays to surround yourself with honest, nonjudgmental people who’ll subtly tell you if you have foul breath.

Now, how do you fix bad breath?

If you have mouthwash or a mint on hand, great!

But if you’d like to save yourself a trip to the local store and money, take a look around your house.

Below, we share 10 simple bad breath remedies using items you probably already have at home!

10 quick bad breath remedies to try at home

1. Drink water

Whenever you feel your mouth getting dry, drink water (not juice or soda because those can dry your mouth out more).

Saliva helps keep your mouth clean and prevents smelly bacteria from thriving.

2. Rinse with warm salt water

Gargling salt water is a natural way to stop bad breath.

Create a mixture of 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt to every 8 ounces of warm water. Swish a swig of the mixture around your mouth for 30 seconds, then spit it out. Repeat as needed.

3. Chew on cloves

Cloves help freshen your breath instantly and fight off bacteria that cause cavities.

Simply suck on or chew a few cloves a few times a day.

Side note:

Don’t use clove oil or powdered cloves because they may cause burns.

4. Apple cider vinegar

Onion or garlic breath? Get rid of these bad breath odors instantly with apple cider vinegar (ACV)!

Add a generous splash of ACV to a glass of water and switch it around your mouth. Gargle for 30 seconds, then spit it out.

5

. Eat fruits and veggies

Did your know fruits and vegetables help freshen your breath?

Apples, celery, and carrots act as natural toothbrushes and help remove odor-causing bacteria from your teeth.

Oranges (vitamin C) help increase saliva production to fight bad breath.

6. Make your own alcohol-free mouthwash

Did you know alcohol dries out your mouth? And did you also know most over-the-counter mouthwashes contain alcohol?

As we mentioned earlier, dry mouth is associated with bad breath. That’s why store-bought mouthwashes don’t work for everyone!

Luckily, you can make your own alcohol-free mouthwash at home, and you probably already have the ingredients in your kitchen.

Here is a recipe for an all-natural, homemade, alcohol-free mouthwash:

  • 1 cup of warm water
  • 1/2 tablespoon of cinnamon
  • Juice of two lemons
  • 1 & 1/2 teaspoons of honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda

Mix all the ingredients thoroughly and pour them into a container. The DIY mouthwash will stay good for up to 2 weeks.

7. Tea tree oil

There are a few ways to use tea tree oil to freshen your breath:

  • Apply a few drops of tea tree oil on your toothpaste and brush your teeth.
  • Skip the toothpaste and brush with tea tree oil (this doesn’t substitute for brushing with toothpaste)
  • Mix a few drops of tea tree oil in warm water and rinse your mouth with it.

8. Floss your teeth

Flossing removes plaque buildup, bacteria, or food stuck between or on your teeth, which is often the culprit for bad breath.

Pro tip:

When flossing, hug the floss around each side of your tooth.

9. Clean your tongue

Tongues can harvest all sorts of bacteria, making your breath smell bad.

To clean your tongue, gently scrub it with your toothbrush! Make sure to rinse your toothbrush and mouth afterward.

10. Chew gum

Gum helps stimulate saliva production, which helps clean your mouth of stinky bacteria and leftover food particles.

Pro tip:

Chew sugar-free gum!

How can I permanently get rid of bad breath?

Generally speaking, the best way to permanently end bad breath is by having a good dental hygiene routine. That includes:

  • Brushing your teeth after every meal
  • Flossing your teeth at least twice per day
  • Visiting your dentist in Durham, NC every six months for a routine exam and cleaning
  • Thoroughly cleaning any dental appliances at least once per day (retainer, aligner, denture, etc.)

If your bad breath persists, consult with your dentist for a medical diagnosis. In some cases, bad breath may stem from an infection, disease, medications, periodontal disease, etc.

Need a dentist in Durham, NC?

Contact Croasdaile Dental Arts!

Our doctors will help you combat smelly breath by finding the root cause instead of band-aiding over the symptoms.

We proudly serve Durham, NC… opens in a new window to Google Maps…, and surrounding communities in Raleigh, Hillsborough, Chapel Hill, Mebane, and Timberlake.


Editor’s note: This post was originally published in August 2017 and has been completely revamped for comprehensiveness and timeliness.

How to get rid of bad breath permanently

Bad breath is one of those things that’s a bit hard to talk about. Realizing that you have bad breath can be a little bit embarrassing and telling someone that they have bad breath is super awkward.

On top of that, it’s actually quite hard to judge your own breath so while some people might be paranoid that they have bad breath when they don’t, others might be walking around blissfully unaware that they have terrible breath.

All in all, it can be easier just to pretend the problem doesn’t exist.

Treating bad breath doesn’t have to be scary or embarrassing. In fact, it’s often just a case of making a few healthy adjustments and prioritizing self care. So, with that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the major causes of bad breath and how we can get rid of them once and for all.

Why does my breath smell bad?

Bad breath, sometimes referred to as Halitosis, can be caused by a number of different things.

Sometimes, it’s down to a simple matter of poor oral health. Other times, it can be caused by side effects from medications, infections in the mouth, nose, or throat. Bad breath could also be a result of medical conditions such as some cancers, metabolic disorders, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (also known as GERD).

Smoking and tobacco products can also cause bad odors in the mouth. It increases the likelihood of gum disease which is another condition that can contribute to bad breath. If you are a smoker and are worried about bad breath it may be a good idea to quit. If you are looking to quit smoking, Babylon Health may be able to assist with that effort.

Dry mouth is another key contributor. Saliva is a natural cleanser for your mouth as it removes particles that can create a bad smell. Whether you have dry mouth as a result of alcohol consumption, medications, or other medical issues such as problems with your salivary glands, the fact that you don’t have enough saliva in your mouth could be the reason your breath smells. An example of this is when the decrease in saliva production while you sleep causes bad morning breath.

Can bad breath be cured permanently?

Before you can figure out how to get rid of bad breath, you first need to identify what causes bad breath for you. If it’s a result of an infection or a side effect to a specific medication, you may be able to consult your doctor or dentist and get rid of bad breath for good.

In most cases, however, bad breath can’t be cured with a one-time fix. When bad breath is a result of poor oral hygiene or diet, it requires consistent self-care to keep it at bay.

That being said, there are plenty of things you can do to make bad breath a thing of the past.

Home remedies for bad breath

The internet is full of advice about how to get rid of bad breath permanently. From baking soda or pineapple to homemade vinegar mouth rinses, there’s no shortage of bad breath remedy options online. While some of these might help (particularly on a temporary basis) there’s no magic potion that can fix all types of bad breath.

If you suffer from chronic bad breath, you should seek advice from your healthcare provider or a dental professional. They will be able to help you identify what is causing your bad breath odor as well as offer advice on how to get rid of it.

In the meantime, here are a few options that may help resolve the issue.

How to cure bad breath with dental hygiene

According to the American Dental Association, bad breath most often starts in the mouth as a result of poor oral hygiene. When you don’t prioritize oral health, food particles can collect on your tongue, between your teeth, and on the gums around them. This buildup, combined with natural bacteria inside your mouth, releases chemicals that can smell.

Good dental hygiene practices include:

  • Brushing your teeth with a toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste twice a day (preferably after eating)
  • Floss between your teeth daily
  • If you wear dentures, remove and clean them every night
  • Brush your tongue (from the back of the tongue) with a tongue scraper
  • Buy a new toothbrush regularly
  • Attend regular checkups with a qualified dental care professional

Poor dental care and oral hygiene can result in plaque buildup which can lead to gingivitis. Gingivitis can then lead to gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) which is a known cause of bad breath.

Other signs of gum disease include:

  • Bad taste in the mouth
  • Red or swollen gums
  • Loose teeth
  • Sensitive teeth
  • Pain while chewing
  • Tender or bleeding gums

Gum disease is best treated when it is caught early so if you are concerned that you are showing signs of gum disease, consult your dentist.

Top tip: Mouthwash and mouth rinse can be a great temporary solution for bad breath if you are on the go, but it should not replace proper dental hygiene.

How to cure bad breath with your diet

What you are eating could also be having an impact on your breath. Not only does some food have strong odors but some could also be contributing to dental issues like gum disease and tooth decay. If you struggle with bad breath, some foods to avoid include:

  • Garlic and onion
  • Coffee
  • Hard candies (unless directed by health care provider)
  • Sodas
  • Sugary sports drinks
  • Alcohol

If you can’t (or don’t want to) remove certain foods from your diet, make sure you brush your teeth after eating problematic foods like garlic to get rid of any residual food particles. If you have a sweet tooth, try replacing candies and sugary snacks with sugar-free gum.

Another good rule of thumb is to drink plenty of water. As we’ve already mentioned, dry mouth can be a contributing factor for bad breath, so drinking water can make sure that your salivary glands are working well and counteract the dehydrating effect of things like coffee and alcohol.

How to cure bad breath with vitamins

Vitamins alone are unlikely to cure bad breath completely, but making sure that you get the right nutrients into your body can help keep your mouth and teeth healthy.

Some key nutrients required for oral health are:

  • Vitamin A
  • B Vitamins
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin D
  • Vitamin E
  • Iron
  • Calcium
  • Potassium
  • Zinc
  • Phosphorous

Beware of any ‘quick fix’ supplements and vitamins as many of the nutrients you need can and should be included in your food intake. It is important to follow the correct dosage for each vitamin. Taking too much of certain vitamins can be toxic. For more information about vitamins and supplements for dental health, talk to your dentist at your next check-up.

How to cure bad breath with medication

Most instances of bad breath can be resolved by better dental hygiene, but sometimes it can be caused by a health condition. If you are concerned about chronic bad breath, talk to your healthcare provider or dental practitioner about possible treatment.

For more information about what we at Babylon Health can assist you with, check out our What we Treat page.

FAQs:

  • Does drinking water reduce bad breath?

Drinking water helps to prevent dry mouth which can be a cause of bad breath. There are many causes of bad breath, however, simply drinking water may not be the only solution.

  • Why does my breath smell bad even after I brush?

There are a number of possible causes for bad breath. One of which is the build up of food particles left in the mouth. These particles get broken down by bacteria and in doing so a bad smell is released. Brushing alone does not remove all of these particles—you also need to floss in between your teeth once a day.

  • What food gives you bad breath?

Food like garlic, onions and coffee are known to cause bad breath but other foods such as sugary candies and drinks can affect your oral health in general, which could be the reason for bad breath.

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References:
  • Mayo Clinic: Bad breath symptoms causes
  • American Dental Association: Bad breath Causes and tips for controlling it
  • American Dental Association: Bad breath
  • CDC: Periodontal Disease
  • Mayo Clinic: Bad breath diagnosis treatment
  • American Dental Association: 9 foods that damage your teeth
  • American Dental Association: Guide to the-best supplements for healthy teeth

How to quickly and effectively remove bad breath

Bad breath entails the appearance of psychological complexes and barriers, self-doubt. Often the reason lies in poor oral hygiene . The resulting hard and soft plaque on the teeth is a source of bad breath, infection in the mouth and further problems. They are quickly and effectively solved by professional teeth cleaning.

Causes of bad smell

Weak smell in the morning is a physiological phenomenon associated with insufficient fluid intake at night and decreased salivation during sleep. Disappears after brushing your teeth in the morning. If after 1-2 hours the breath becomes stale again, they speak of halitosis – a persistent smell from the mouth. More often associated with dental problems :

Plaque on teeth


Unremoved food remains on the tooth enamel, gradually harden and turn into tartar. Numerous microorganisms living on it break down protein and carbohydrate substances, form volatile chemical compounds – sources of odor.

To eliminate it, one toothbrush is not enough – it does not penetrate into the interdental spaces. After each meal, they are cleaned with hygienic dental floss. And if the smell persists, see a dentist for professional cleaning .

Diseases of the gums


Hygiene errors also cause inflammation of the mucous tissues in the oral cavity. For example, superficial gingivitis affects the edge of the gums around the tooth, causes discomfort and rapid reproduction of pathogenic microflora. It keeps the odor strong. Bleeding gums appear when touched with a brush, gingival papillae increase.

When a bacterial infection spreads to deep gums and invades the supporting apparatus of the tooth, it is called periodontitis. It is accompanied by pathological tooth mobility, soreness and swelling of the mucosa, suppuration of tissues.

Treatment begins with professional hygiene – removes not only visible dental plaque, but also subgingival.

Diseases of the teeth


In case of caries, pulpitis in the destroyed areas of the teeth, food residues accumulate and rot. They support the vital activity of pathogenic microbes that caused the disease. As long as carious cavities exist, the inflamed nerve is not removed, and the unpleasant odor does not disappear.

Filling teeth and canals stops the pathological process. If regular and thorough professional cleaning of the teeth is not carried out, the development of caries and its complications resumes, signs of halitosis reappear.

If the dental causes of halitosis are excluded, narrow-profile specialists are involved in the treatment:

  • The source is sought in the oropharynx and nasopharynx – inflammation of the tonsils, polyps of the paranasal sinuses, etc.
  • Exclude systemic diseases – diabetes mellitus, chronic bronchitis, hereditary metabolic diseases.

How to quickly and effectively get rid of bad breath

Most often, halitosis becomes a problem for those people who are not accustomed to good oral hygiene. Toothbrush, paste, rinsing the mouth after eating are necessary, but not effective hygiene habits. They do not work in hard-to-reach areas – on wisdom teeth, in interdental spaces. Such places eventually turn into foci of infection, the development of caries, the appearance of a persistent unpleasant odor.

Doctor Levin offers an effective way to solve the problem in one visit – professional oral hygiene. This is a complex procedure with proven effectiveness – it removes tartar and unpleasant odor, heals the enamel and makes it more resistant to infection.

Together with the improvement of the condition of teeth and gums, our patients also get a great mood and the pleasure of perfect cleanliness . Professional teeth cleaning also reveals hidden early foci of caries, invisible before the procedure, prolongs the service life of fillings.

Our Center has the necessary modern equipment for the prevention of diseases of the teeth and gums, elimination of unpleasant odors. Dental hygienists solve the problem without large financial and time costs, in one visit.

Treatment by a hygienist – what procedures are included in the complex

Professional hygiene complex includes 4 procedures:

The benefits of the procedure are noticeable immediately after visiting the clinic – our patients appreciate the aesthetic appearance of the teeth and the newly acquired freshness of breath.

Despite the fact that almost all people understand the importance and necessity of specialized dental care, some avoid it because of the fear of dental procedures or a pronounced gag reflex. The result is obvious: neglected teeth, deep forms of caries, multiple foci of inflammation, and an unpleasant odor. Medical sedation in our Center is a reasonable way out of your own fears.

Sleep hygiene is real!

For those for whom a visit to the dentist is a painful event and stress, we offer professional cleaning “in a dream” twice a year. You do not have unpleasant memories after the procedure, you feel comfort and freshness, you return home in a good mood without consequences and side effects.

Levin Dmitry Valerievich

Chief Physician and Founder of Doctor Levin CSP

Prevention – what to do to prevent the appearance of odor

The main recommendations are to follow simple rules for caring for your teeth, establish a drinking regimen and a food diet.

Dental and Oral Care

  1. Most people know that they brush their teeth in the morning and in the evening. But it is better to do this after each meal – first use dental floss, then brush and paste.
  2. Floss should be used to clean all interdental spaces. This procedure takes a little over a minute. Dental floss does not take up much space in your pocket or purse, so you can use it at work, at a party or a cafe.
  3. It is recommended to brush your teeth in different directions for at least 3 minutes.
  4. If you don’t have a brush nearby, it’s good to have chewing gum handy. Chewing gum stimulates the separation of saliva with an alkaline pH, neutralizes lactic acid that is harmful to teeth.
  5. Every 2-3 months, the toothbrush should be changed to avoid bacterial contamination.
  6. Braces and bridges also trap food debris. They are eliminated by special irrigators – a pulsating jet of water with air bubbles is supplied under pressure.

Pleasantly freshen breath rinses with decoctions of medicinal plants (mint, chamomile) or special rinses. All of them free the oral cavity from food debris, prevent inflammation.

In addition to brushing your teeth, you need to take care of cleaning your tongue. This is a simple procedure that is easy to do at home. The surface of the tongue must be cleaned daily with scrapers and special brushes.

Additional recommendations


Dental care alone is not enough to prevent halitosis. Rational nutrition, a healthy lifestyle are relevant for the prevention of most of the disease states of a person. Bad breath is no exception. Basic recommendations:

  1. Establish a drinking regimen. This is the easiest way to solve the problem. On a dry mucosa, the bacterial flora multiplies rapidly. A daily intake of 2 liters of liquid is optimal for an adult and provides the necessary hydration of the oral cavity.
  2. Review diet. Exclude snacks with flour products, replace them with fruits and vegetables. Carbohydrates remain on the teeth, bacteria convert them into lactic acid.
  3. Include a minimum amount of simple carbohydrates (refined sugar, rich pastries) in the daily set of products. Replace solid animal fats with liquid vegetable fats.
  4. Fermented milk products are welcome – they reduce the formation of hydrogen sulfide, as well as hard cheeses that reduce the acidity of food.
  5. Take a third of the daily diet to vegetable and fruit dishes, among them fresh, not thermally processed, are required.
  6. All sweets should be consumed before the end of the main meal, immediately after it, carry out a hygiene procedure.
  7. Sources of persistent odors – raw onions, garlic, legumes, spices – limit.
  8. Avoid alcohol and smoking.
  9. To prevent early caries in children, limit frequent snacking with sugary drinks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to quickly get rid of bad breath with home remedies?

Traditional methods of treatment are remembered when it is not about eliminating the cause, but about its disguise. By the nature of my profession, I have often heard miraculous “recipes” for improving the oral cavity. But all of them are used as “first aid” means for the mouth – they interrupt a persistent smell for only 1-2 hours.

Folk, home remedies are harmless to the body. For example, chewing a pleasant-smelling fruit, aromatic herbs, foods with rich odors (dill, basil, lemon balm, rosemary, orange peel, coffee beans) really bring short-term relief from the problem. But I remind you that all these measures are temporary. To get rid of a serious problem, consult a dentist. He will find the cause of halitosis and rationally eliminate it.

Levin Dmitry Valerievich
Oral and maxillofacial surgeon, chief physician of the Center

What should I do if I have frequent cavities and bad breath?

A carious cavity in a tooth is a sure sign of existing hygiene defects. If the disease has appeared, it is necessary to immediately carry out treatment, as well as to review the correctness and regularity of dental care, get acquainted with dental floss, adjust the diet so that the disease does not appear again. For prophylaxis in the dental clinic, it is necessary to periodically remove dental deposits; professional cleaning of the oral cavity does an excellent job with them.

Levin Dmitry Valerievich
Oral and maxillofacial surgeon, chief physician of the Center

I wear a removable prosthesis. What to do if there is an unpleasant smell?

The wisdom tooth is growing, there is a smell. How to get rid?

Eruption of the wisdom tooth (third molar, figure eight) is often incomplete. Its chewing surface remains partially covered by the overhanging gum mucosa. Between it and the dental crown, a pocket is formed that is not reachable for the brush. Patients notice swelling of the gums, complain of purulent discharge from under the hood and putrid breath.

To eliminate the problem, the surgeon excises the hood or immediately removes the causative tooth.

Levin Dmitry Valerievich
Oral and maxillofacial surgeon, chief physician of the Center

Levin Dmitry Valerievich

Author of the article. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Head Physician of Center

Published: 05/24/2022

Updated: 06/06/2023

Bad breath, what to do?

Toothbrushes, rinses and chewing gum help to get rid of bad breath only temporarily. Persistent bad breath, or halitosis, as doctors call it, may indicate the presence of diseases of the liver, nose, or throat. The DentArt team of dentists spoke in detail about the causes and ways to get rid of bad breath.

CONTENTS

  1. How to detect halitosis?
  2. Causes of bad breath
  3. 5 ways to get rid of bad breath
  4. How to quickly get rid of bad breath?
  5. Conclusion
  6. Doctor’s conclusion

How to detect halitosis?

Halitosis is rarely self-diagnosed: faced with a problem, a person attributes its appearance to a long-standing meal, drinking alcohol or smoking. In an attempt to get rid of an unpleasant smell, chewing gum comes to the rescue.

If the disease is really present, then after a few hours after brushing your teeth or chewing gum, bad breath will return. You can immediately seek help from a professional dentist, or you can start by doing a few tests yourself.

The easiest way to quickly identify halitosis is to bend your palm, breathe lightly into it and bring it to your nose. You can lick a spoon, wait until it dries and smell it. Bad breath is a signal to seek professional help.

We recommend using the methods described above for determining bad breath after a day’s work. It is advisable to carry out the test at least three hours after using toothpaste, rinse or chewing gum, as they mask the problem well.

Causes of bad breath

The most common cause of bad breath is xerostomia, that is, the death of tongue cells due to lack of saliva. This contributes to the emergence and active reproduction of malodorous bacteria.

Xerostomia is especially noticeable in the morning, because during sleep our body does not receive water. Fetid bacteria instantly multiply, so after 6 hours there is a lack of saliva. If you ignore cleaning your mouth in the morning, bacteria will continue to multiply, exacerbating the problem.

Drinking enough water every day, using a toothbrush to clean the tongue will help solve the problem. Several times a day, it is advisable to rinse your mouth with warm water or a special rinse, and after eating, be sure to use floss to remove food debris in the interdental spaces.

Halitosis is caused by diseases of the teeth and gums, food residues in the interdental spaces, and inflammatory processes. In order to recognize and eliminate the problem in a timely manner, once every 6 months, undergo an examination and professional cleaning in dentistry.

Halitosis is caused not only by dental diseases. There are a number of other causes of bad breath:

  • gastritis, ulcers and other digestive disorders;
  • liver failure;
  • certain diets or total fasting;
  • lung diseases, in particular tuberculosis and pneumonia;
  • oncological diseases.

If you can’t get rid of bad breath after a few days/weeks, then be sure to get an examination. Timely treatment will avoid the development of more serious diseases.

5 ways to get rid of bad breath

Often the problem of bad breath is literally on the surface: improper diet, bad habits, lack of oral hygiene, use of the wrong toothbrush and toothpaste. For example, after eating certain foods, bad breath can persist for up to 72 hours.

The main question: bad breath – what to do? We recommend following five key tips:

  • Drink water. Insufficient amount of water in the body leads to a dry environment in which bacteria multiply rapidly. To calculate the daily rate, use the formula: 30 ml per 1 kg of weight.
  • Take good care of your mouth. Use fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth. Bacteria build up quickly on your toothbrush, which is why the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends changing your toothbrush every 3-4 months. After eating, do not forget to use dental floss and rinses.
  • Clean your tongue. For cleaning, you can use a soft bristle toothbrush and a special scraper, which is sold in a regular pharmacy.
  • Reduce your consumption of specific foods. These include garlic and onions, spices, coffee, alcoholic beverages. We recommend adding apples, carrots, kiwi, broccoli to the diet. Sour-milk products (yogurt, fermented baked milk and others reduce the amount of hydrogen sulfide in the mouth), cheeses (cheddar well reduces the acidity of food), and ginger also help to gain fresh breath.
  • Stop smoking. When smoking, saliva is produced too slowly, resulting in dry mouth. Gradually, a favorable environment is created in which bacteria multiply. The bad bacteria cause persistent bad breath.

How to quickly get rid of bad breath?

Temporary bad breath is another matter. For example, at night you had fun at the club, had a good drink, and in the morning you need to be at a meeting with a client.

You can quickly get rid of bad breath in the following ways:

  • brushing your teeth with a strong flavored toothpaste, such as ice mint;
  • mouth and throat rinse with illuminating agent;
  • chewing dill, parsley, ginger or cloves before meeting;
  • adding pepper, mustard or other hot spices to the main course.

If we are talking about a strong alcoholic fumes, then its source is not only the oral cavity, but also all the pores of the body. A contrast shower will help remove toxins from the body. For breakfast, we recommend eating eggs, cheese, bacon, beans, or other protein-rich foods.

Conclusion

Halitosis is a common problem of persistent bad breath that cannot be cured by routine oral cleaning. Bad breath is common in people with dental or systemic diseases of the internal organs.

We advise you to have an examination at a dental clinic. In addition, we recommend getting rid of bad habits, reviewing the diet and regularly undergoing professional teeth cleaning.

Doctor’s conclusions

Kurtova Inna Aleksandrovna,

Head of the DentArt Dentistry clinic, therapist:

“Bad breath is a signal of more serious health problems ! Halitosis can signal the presence of diseases of the liver, lungs, and oncological diseases.