5 Solutions to eliminate bad breath effectively

About 80 percent of Mexicans have suffered from halitosis, commonly known as bad breath, according to the Ministry of Health. As it has multiple causes, it can be a sign of poor hygiene or a sign of a serious illness.

Bad breath can affect self-esteem, produce insecurity, fear of facing the public, obsessive thoughts and isolation, according to the agency.

What can cause it?

Cigna healthcare points out that saliva has a cleansing action that helps reduce or eliminate bad breath, the less saliva there is, the more foul breath will be perceived because bacteria can grow.

Flow is greatly reduced during sleep, contributing to bad morning breath. However, there are other causes that can cause it:

Hunger: Halitosis is more common in people who skip meals or are on diets, since by not chewing saliva decreases and bacteria increases.

Dehydration: It contributes to poor saliva production, so its cleansing action is reduced, causing bad breath.

Diseases: It may be due to diseases that affect the salivary glands such as scleroderma or Sjögren’s syndrome.

Also throat infections, cavities, periodontitis, deep-tunneled tonsils, or throat and mouth cancers.

Nose problems such as sinusitis, nasal polyps or an object in the nose; diabetes, reflux, intestinal problems, HIV, liver disease, lung problems or cancer.

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Your dental health also requires a daily care routine that includes good nutrition.

Foods: eating strong-smelling foods such as onions, garlic or pastrami.

Smoke: Cigarettes cause dryness and irritation of the mucosa of the mouth and respiratory tract, so there is no proper oxygenation.

Additionally, tobacco additives such as nicotine or tar contribute to bad breath.

Poor hygiene: the buildup of bacteria and plaque in the mouth from food trapped between teeth, braces, or dentures.

Going to the dentist will help you obtain an accurate diagnosis of your health and, if it is a disease or condition, you will be immediately referred to a specialist.

How to combat it?

Dan Baumgardt, professor at the School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience at the University of Bristol, United Kingdom listed a number of solutions for halitosis.

1. Oral hygiene

The most common cause is the accumulation of bacteria in the mouth, so it is necessary to brush at least twice a day, floss daily, and clean the tongue with a scraper.

You can consult your dentist to add the use of some mouthwash. Remember that this does not replace the oral hygiene routine.

2. Adequate hydration

Drinking enough water helps hydration and promotes saliva production. Another way to stimulate its production and keep your mouth moist is to chew gum.

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Habits for good dental health include healthy eating

3. Diet rich in green leafy vegetables

Chlorophyll is known for its natural deodorizing properties, so its consumption can neutralize sulfur compounds in the mouth and improve breath.

Add fiber to maintain healthy digestion and prevent bad breath associated with digestive problems.

4. Breath tests

Remember that halitosis can be caused by a variety of diseases, so if the problem persists, Dan recommends taking breath tests to diagnose health problems.

5. Quit smoking

As mentioned, chemicals dry out the mouth and encourage bacteria growth. In addition to improving your breath, quitting will have significant benefits for your overall health.

With information from Your Doctor.