What is that smell?
Before you start reading, do a little exercise. Place your hand (palm facing you) approximately 10 cm in front of your mouth and exhale into your hand. What does it smell like? Hopefully nothing, or better yet, something pleasant. If, on the contrary, what you are smelling is unpleasant, this article may be useful.
To talk about prevention, it's important to understand where bad breath comes from. Bad breath, or halitosis as it's formally known, can have several origins:
Certain foods, such as garlic, onions, fish, meat, cheese, etc. Poor oral hygiene in general, smoking, obesity, fasting, nasal and paranasal sinus infections, throat infections, defective dental restorations, periodontal disease, xerostomia (dry mouth), and other underlying health conditions.
7 Tips to Avoid Bad Breath:
1) Brush your teeth after every meal – Essential for ensuring oral hygiene.
2) Floss at least once a day – Flossing is just as important as brushing because it's the only way to remove food particles between your teeth.
3) Brush your tongue – The tongue carries approximately 50% of the total bacteria in your mouth, and where there are bacteria, there is odor. The middle third of your tongue is more prone to bacterial growth, so pay attention to this area.
4) Chewing sugar-free gum – Chewing sugar-free gum increases saliva flow and reduces the likelihood of developing bad breath related to dry mouth.
5) Drink plenty of water – This recommendation follows the same line as the suggestion above. Drinking plenty of water reduces the occurrence of dry mouth by stimulating saliva production. Conversely, drinking alcoholic and caffeinated beverages can cause xerostomia (dry mouth).
6) Change your toothbrush every 3-4 months – An old toothbrush is a toothbrush with bacteria. Besides being unhygienic, it increases the likelihood of bad breath.
7) Quit smoking – Tobacco is one of the main causes of bad breath.
