Having a bad breath, you would agree with me, could be really embarrassing. Not only is it embarrassing to the carrier, but also to those around them. It is an issue people find difficult to discuss, whether as carriers or just affected by the odor. This makes it a lingering problem for many. This embarrassing situation gradually leads to isolation as people are never comfortable around those with bad breath. From holding the breath while speaking with the carrier, to the covering of the nose, then tilting the face away, the breath gets unbearable, then total avoidance becomes the only solution. As people avoid them, they get isolated, and this leads to depression. This entire feeling causes low self-esteem and cuts off family ties, friendships, professional advancement and many other benefits life has to offer. How terrible bad breath can be.
It is established that halitosis (the technical name for bad breath) is a problem, and a terrible one, because unlike some other health challenges, this one affects everyone around. So carrrying a bad breath around is not just unfair to oneself, but to others also. We will, in this article, look at five things many people do, which you probably do too, that may make you have a bad breath.
It is pretty easy to get judgmental when reading an article such as this; names of people must have crossed your mind. But what about yourself? Yes, you. Oh yeah, you must have enclosed both hands before your mouth and blown some air in it. All you smelled was your hands, perhaps, as that`s not effective in knowing if you have a bad breath. Are you ready to truly know if you breath is bad? Rub some saliva from your tongue against the back of your wrist and let it dry. Smell it after it dries. Don`t tell me the result. I have mine to deal with. *Smiles* Another way is to lick a dry spoon and smell it. Again, keep the result to yourself and work on it after a careful reading of this article.
So what are these 5 things?
You let your mouth go dry
Drink some water for your sake and others`. When you are dehydrated, you produce less saliva, and this decreased saliva production leads to a decline in its cleansing action, as saliva has potent antibacterial properties. This decline brings about an increase in bacterial growth and the ugly situation: bad breath. Never allow your mouth go dry and ensure it`s only water you use to do this, as sugary drinks have their own impact in making your mouth smell. So, drink some water for your sake and for the sake of those you come in contact with.
You try to use mint to have a fresh breath
This is simply a case of worsening a situation, thinking you`re trying to make it better. Yes, you get utterly horrified by the odor that eludes your mouth and you want a quick solution, but no, not mint, as it`ll only give you a short-term ‘positive’ effect of masking the odor. The mouth bacteria convert sugar in mint to acid and this leads to bad breath and weakens the teeth. Solution: invest some time in brushing your teeth twice daily. You may also go around with a toothbrush and some toothpaste so you can brush your teeth after a meal that causes mouth odor instead of introducing more odor-causing substances.
You use mouthwash
Source: [1]
This didn`t get in the list mistakenly. Yes, I know you`ve heard and read so much about how mouthwash makes your breath good and kills bacteria. Adjust your seat and keep reading; you`re about to unlearn! Mouthwash usually contains alcohol which can cause dryness in the mouth as it breaks down the mucus-like coating that keeps the mouth moist. This eventually leads to mouth odor. You remember the first point on dryness? Alcohol-based mouthwash has also been discovered to have a likelihood of causing cancer and stains on the teeth. Also, a number of people misuse mouthwash, and this makes them lose the benefits of mouthwash and toothpaste altogether. Using mouthwash less than thirty minutes before or after brushing causes unhealthy interactions between the chemicals in both substances and this leads to a cancellation of their benefits. They get ineffective. With a twice daily use of a toothbrush and good toothpaste, and at least two visits to the dentist every year, good oral hygiene can be maintained.
You eat certain foods that cause mouth odors
Are you a lover of onions, garlic, coffee, and alcohol? Get ready; you may need to battle bad breath.
The smelly sulfur compounds in onions and garlic don`t leave the mouth even long after the meal. They get absorbed into the bloodstream and get smelly when you exhale.
Coffee and alcohol cause oral dryness, reducing saliva flow, and this makes the mouth conducive to bacterial growth and, eventually, bad breath sets in like an unannounced evil. Other food substances that cause bad breath are orange juice, soda, and dairy products.
You have an untreated throat infection
Bacterial throat infections lead to increased amounts of micro-organisms in the throat, and the presence of bacteria emits bad odors. Streptococcus and tonsillitis are common throat infections. Their symptoms are abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, the presence of white spots in the throat area, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, and headache. See a doctor if you experience these.
Washing the hands before touching the mouth and nose, and consistent brushing with flossing of the teeth after meals will help you avoid throat infections.
Way forward?
Did you do the mouth odor check? Do you do any of the things listed above? Are there other things you do which aren`t on the list but cause bad breath? It is advised you speak with a dentist. Bad breath reduces your confidence. Fix it, or better still, prevent it.
Reference
[1] www.studiodentaire.com
