Bad breath/mouth odour, also known as halitosis, can be a real turn-off.
If you’re worried that you have bad breath/ mouth odour, or concerned about someone close to you, here are a few things you can do to get rid of mouth odour.
- Practice good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly. The timing of your brushing is as important as the frequency: before bedtime and after breakfast is most ideal.
- Tongue cleaning is also important as bacteria can build up on the tongue and cause bad breath. Adding a tongue scraper/ cleaner to your daily hygiene accessories is non-negotiable. A tongue cleaner is more effective at cleaning the tongue than a toothbrush would.
- If you wear dentures, make sure not to sleep with them at night. Also clean them thoroughly every day before use.
- Cut down on foods that have strong odours (such as garlic, onions and spicy dishes), as these smells can be retained by the tongue and contribute to bad breath.
- Smoking is also a major culprit when it comes to mouth odour. If you smoke, quitting is strongly advised if you must improve your oral health.
- Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water to keep your mouth moist and improve saliva flow. This prevents dry mouth which can also contribute to bad breath.
- Visit your dentist for a thorough dental checkup. This is recommended at least once every year.
Practice these tips and educate your loved ones about how these tips can help them avoid embarrassing moments whenever they speak with people.
If mouth odour still persists even after following these tips, your dentist may refer you to see a general physician to rule out any underlying conditions that may be causing your bad breath. Such conditions include chronic liver disease, chronic sinusitis, stomach ulcer, uncontrolled diabetes e.t.c