There are some quick and easy ways to banish bad breath. Just remember, the odor from what you eat can stick around until the food works its way completely out of your system – up to 3 days later!
Dr. Jonathan Everett received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Washington and completed his undergraduate studies in biochemistry at Washington State University. During this time, Dr. Everett served as both the President of the American Student Dental Association chapter as well as the Student Council Vice President. As a board-member of DentPAC for the Washington State Dental Association, Dr. Everett fought to maintain the quality of dental care provided in Washington State by working with state legislators and advocating for patient-centered dentistry in Olympia.
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The Science Behind Bad Breath
Natural remedies used in the treatment of bad breath include chewing on mint or parsley. If bad breath is due to a health problem such as a sinus infection, diabetes, acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD), etc., then the underlying medical issue needs to be treated. If bad breath is a side effect of taking a medication, discuss with a health care professional whether other options for medication can be taken. Never stop taking a medication without first consulting your health care professional.
Sinus pressure and pain are common in people who suffer from allergies, the common cold, and chemical exposure. Humidified air, hydration, avoiding allergens, and nasal irrigation can help relieve sinus pressure symptoms.
Chewing on herbs such as parsley and mint can also help freshen breath. These herbs contain natural compounds that can neutralize odors and provide a refreshing scent.
Incorporating these DIY remedies into our daily routine can help us maintain fresh breath and improve our oral health. However, it's important to remember that these remedies should not replace regular oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing. It's also important to address any underlying health issues that may be contributing to bad breath.
Doctors have three methods for testing for bad breath. They can assess it themselves by sniffing one of the following: the patient’s breath just 5cm (2in) from the nose of the doctor, the contents of a spoon which has been scraped across the top of the tongue, unwaxed floss which has been passed between the back teeth or a petri dish containing the patient’s saliva that’s been left in an incubator at 37C (99F) for five minutes.
Products specifically for dry mouth like Biotene, can be used to help prevent bad breath in these cases.
An infected tooth needs to be treated with root canal therapy or extracted right away. Signs of an infected tooth include a tooth that becomes discoloured, sores on the gums, local warmth, and fever.
Gargling and using essential oils are two great ways to freshen your breath, fight infections, and kill all of the bacteria that cause the foul smell.
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.
Natural Remedies for Treating Bad Breath from the Throat
For decades after Listerine first hit the market in the 1880s, it was kind of a jack-of-all trades product. Originally invented as a surgical antiseptic (and named after the founding father of antiseptics, Dr. Joseph Lister), its uses were varied—they including foot cleaning, floor scrubbing and gonorrhea treating.
- Sugary foods: Bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar and produce acids that can contribute to bad breath.
The role of oral hygiene in halitosis prevention
There is no agreement on what proportion of the whole population does actually have halitosis, with rates varying from 22 to 50%. The people who can’t go numb at the dentists Do you really need to floss? How often do you need to see the dentist?