Get to know the causes and ways to eliminate mouth odor

Although not a serious medical problem, bad breath often causes a person to lose self-confidence and feel worried that bad breath experienced will interfere with others. If you experience a similar problem, understanding how to get rid of bad breath can help restore your confidence.

Bad breath or halitosis can be caused by a variety of things. But studies show that 80% of bad breath is caused by problems with dental and oral health, such as cavities or gum problems. Therefore, maintaining healthy teeth and mouth is very important.

Causes of mouth odor

Bad breath is not only caused by health problems of teeth, gums and pungent foods. Some other health conditions that can also cause bad breath include:

• Xerostomia , which is a dry mouth that occurs due to a disruption in the production of saliva due to bacteria accumulating in the oral cavity.
• Digestive tract disorders, such as infection with H.pylori bacteria which causes stomach ulcers and gastric acid (GERD) .
• Sinusitis which results in post nasal drip or the flow of thick fluid from the sinus cavity to the throat.
• Effects of other conditions, such as diabetes , liver disorders, or respiratory infections .

In addition to some of the health conditions above, bad breath can also be caused by smoking habits, lack of oral hygiene, certain foods or drinks, and excessive diets that cause carbohydrate deficiencies.

How to get rid of mouth odor

If you feel you have taken care of your mouth and teeth, but still bad breath doesn't go away, try doing the following methods:

• Brush your teeth twice a day, regularly.
• Change toothbrush at least once every two months.
• Clean the tongue, and drink a glass of water after waking up to eliminate bad breath.
• Remove and clean the dentures if you use them, so that no bacteria breed in the dentures.
• Chew orange, lemon, and parsley skin. The production of saliva triggered by citrus acid can help eliminate bad breath, while parsley can neutralize unpleasant odors.
• Check dental health at least every 6 months.
• Stop smoking and avoid excessive coffee consumption.
• Chew low sugar gum.
• Reduce or even avoid consuming alcohol altogether.
• Drink enough water, so that bacteria and other impurities in the mouth can be quickly cleaned.

Also pay attention to what you eat. Avoid foods such as onions and garlic that have a strong odor. Choose healthier snacks, such as apples or raw carrots, because the water content in them can help cleanse the mouth. Eating healthy foods and eating regularly can also help prevent bad breath. In addition, you can use mouth odor remover. However, this fluid effect is usually only temporary.

To find out the cause of bad breath that you experience and how to get rid of bad breath according to the cause, consult your doctor directly for further examination.