To do oil pulling, simply take a tablespoon of oil (such as coconut oil or sesame oil) and swish it around in your mouth for 10-15 minutes. Make sure to move the oil around all areas of your mouth, including between your teeth and along your gums. Afterward, spit out the oil and rinse your mouth with water. Repeat this process daily for best results.
Let’s get one thing straight right off the bat: no one is claiming that Listerine invented bad breath. Human mouths have stunk for millennia, and there are ancient breath freshening solutions to prove it. But, as Esther Inglis-Arkell writes at io9, in more modern days, advertisements for Listerine transformed halitosis from a bothersome personal imperfection into an embarrassing medical condition that urgently required treatment. Treatment that—conveniently—the company wanted to sell.
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Americans spend more than $1 billion a year on over the counter halitosis products, many of which are ineffective because they only mask the problem.
Bad breath is a concern for most of us. It creates worry in social situations, and can make it hard to feel comfortable talking to people. You never want to get close to personal or business acquaintances if you can’t be sure of your breath.
2. Antimicrobial agents: Toothpastes that contain antimicrobial agents like triclosan or essential oils can help kill bacteria that cause bad breath.
Diabetes can cause bad breath for two different reasons; periodontal disease, and high levels of ketones in the blood.
In addition to good oral hygiene, there are other steps you can take to prevent bad breath. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help prevent dry mouth. Avoiding foods that can cause bad breath, such as garlic and onions, can also help keep your breath fresh. Quitting smoking and tobacco use is another important step in improving oral health and breath.
Preventing Tonsil Stones and Halitosis: Lifestyle Changes and Oral Hygiene Tips
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Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is another common cause of halitosis. When plaque builds up on the teeth and gums, it can lead to inflammation and infection. This can result in an unpleasant odor coming from the mouth. Certain medical conditions such as dry mouth, sinus infections, and respiratory tract infections can also contribute to bad breath.
Certain medications can have a negative impact on oral health and breath. As mentioned earlier, some medications can cause dry mouth, which can lead to bad breath. Additionally, certain medications can cause changes in taste or odor in the mouth, resulting in unpleasant breath.
When it comes to children, issues like poor oral health, dry mouth, tongue bacteria, medicines, oral infections, and mouth breathing can cause halitosis.
By maintaining good oral hygiene and making healthy lifestyle choices, individuals can improve their overall oral health and prevent bad breath.
Smell and taste belong to our chemical sensing system (chemosensation). The complicated process of smelling and tasting begins when molecules released by the substances around us stimulate special nerve cells in the nose, mouth, or throat. These cells transmit messages to the brain, where specific smells or tastes are identified. Olfactory (smell nerve) cells are stimulated by the odors around us, the fragrance from a rose, the smell of bread baking. These nerve cells are found in a tiny patch of tissue high up in the nose, and they connect directly to the brain. Gustatory (taste nerve) cells are clustered in the taste buds of the mouth and throat. They react to food or drink mixed with saliva. Many of the small bumps that can be seen on the tongue contain taste buds. These surface cells send taste information to nearby nerve fibers, which send messages to the brain.
It's wise to brush those gnashers regularly to avoid whiffy breath, even if you're a hippo at London Zoo (Credit: Getty Images)
One of the most common causes of bad breath is the buildup of germs and bacteria inside your mouth. When it is not cleaned regularly, over time a condition known as halitosis or persistent bad breath ensues. This oral condition is something everyone can do without, as it is particularly a nuisance to people you regularly come into contact with.
Some people find that rinsing their mouths with a mixture of water and baking soda helps neutralize odors and freshen their breath. Others prefer using essential oils like peppermint or tea tree oil as a natural mouthwash.