Bad Breath: 5 Effective Solutions to Eliminate It for Good

Bad breath affects approximately 50% of adults in Western countries. This inconvenience can quickly become embarrassing, both for the person affected and for those around them. It is therefore essential to know how to treat it. Here are five methods that can help you get rid of this problem. But let's start by understanding the origins of this condition.

The Origins of Bad Breath

Malodorous breath frequently results from poor oral hygiene that promotes bacterial growth. Other factors can also be responsible, such as gum inflammation, tonsil infections, nasal obstruction, or even digestive issues.

Professional Teeth Cleaning

If you are affected by bad breath, do not hesitate to consult a dental hygienist for a thorough cleaning. This procedure removes buildup on the teeth, which not only remedies this problem by removing bacteria but also prevents gum and periodontal diseases, while restoring the natural aesthetics of the teeth and creating a healthy oral environment.

Tongue Cleaning

This step may seem secondary but is crucial during brushing. Many microorganisms accumulate on the tongue and are implicated in about 90% of cases of halitosis (the medical term for bad breath).

It is therefore essential to clean it gently, with a specific instrument rather than a standard toothbrush, as these tools are less irritating. For optimal results, the cleaning should be done from back to front.

Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is a natural product that helps with intestinal detoxification. It can contribute to solving bad breath problems related to bacteria and toxins present in the digestive system.

You can find it in health food stores and pharmacies. Some toothpastes also contain activated charcoal.

Baking Soda Rinses

Baking soda has multiple benefits for our health, including alleviating bad breath. To do this, simply dilute a measure of baking soda in water and perform a mouth rinse.

Alternatively, drinking water with a little baking soda helps to combat gastric acidity, which is sometimes responsible for unpleasant breath.

Adequate Hydration

Insufficient hydration is also a common cause of bad breath, and drinking enough water daily can be an effective solution.

Aim to drink 1.5 to 2 liters (about 8 glasses) of water per day to maintain optimal hydration of the oral cavity.

A Concrete Example of Application

Mary suffered from chronic bad breath despite regular tooth brushing. After a consultation, she discovered that tongue cleaning was essential. She started using a tongue scraper every morning, then did baking soda mouthwashes once a day.

In addition, she increased her water consumption to 2 liters daily and incorporated a two-week course of activated charcoal.

After a month of this routine and a professional cleaning, her halitosis problem had completely disappeared, significantly improving her self-confidence in social interactions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you suffer from bad breath, rest assured that solutions exist. You can take action yourself with simple methods like tongue cleaning, using activated charcoal, baking soda rinses, or proper hydration.

However, it is recommended to consult a dental hygiene professional for a professional cleaning that will eliminate some of the microorganisms responsible for your problem.