Bad breath or Halitosis is a problem suffered by around 80 million people originating mainly from the tongues and gums. It’s an embarrassing condition considering the amount of socializing required in today’s world. Let’s take a look at some of the ways to fight this undesirable condition.
Brush twice a day
It is important to brush twice a day for about three minutes to remove debris and plaque which are the main breeding grounds for the odor causing bacteria. Also, brushing with baking soda thwarts the growth of bacteria. But remember to be gentle with your brushing because you may cause more damage to your gums resulting in a bleed.
Flossing daily
Flossing helps to remove food debris from the teeth that are inaccessible to the toothbrush. Bacteria feed on the food debris causing the bad odor.
Cleaning the tongue
The residue that builds up between the taste buds of the tongue needs to be cleaned daily since it causes bacterial growth which leads to bad odor or breath. It can be cleaned by brushing the tongue or scraping it.
Mouthwash
Mouthwashes are temporary fixes for the bad breath problems, but if you are in a hurry this is the best option. But be careful, because mouthwashes can make it worse if you are allergic to it or the ingredients in the mouthwash.