Even though it's not including problem healthwhich dangerous, bad breath often makes a person feel less confident, even to the point of avoiding interaction with other people. Know what causes bad breath and how to deal with it.
Bad breath or halitosis is a problem that may be experienced by many people. Bad breath can arise due to the buildup of bacteria on the teeth, gums, and tongue. The causes can be various, ranging from an unhealthy lifestyle to certain health problems.
Various Causes of Bad Breath
Bad breath can be caused by problems with dental and oral health, such as cavities, and poor oral hygiene. In addition, the following conditions can also cause bad breath, including:
- Xerostomia, which is a dry mouth condition that occurs due to reduced saliva production
- Tooth and gum disease, eg periodontitis and gum abscess
- Digestive tract disorders, such as heartburn and acid reflux disease (GERD)
- Sinusitis
- Diabetes
- Heart trouble
- Respiratory tract infection
In addition to the health problems above, bad breath can also be caused by smoking habits, consumption of alcoholic beverages, consumption of strong-smelling food or drinks, and extreme diets that make the body lack certain nutrients, such as protein and carbohydrates.
How to Mengget rid of Bad breath
So that bad breath no longer bothers you, apply the following tips to get rid of it, namely:
- Brush teeth 2 times a day regularly and use dental floss to clean between the teeth.
- Brush your tongue using a tongue scraper or a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- If you wear dentures, remove them at night and clean them thoroughly before putting them back on the next day.
- Quit smoking and avoid consuming coffee and alcoholic beverages
- Chew low-sugar gum to encourage saliva production.
- Drink enough water at least 2 liters or about 8 glasses per day.
- Have regular dental checkups at least every 6 months.
Not only that, to overcome and prevent bad breath, you also need to stay away from strong-scented foods, such as onions, petai, and jengkol. You can also use mouthwash, try oil pulling, and brushing your teeth with toothpaste that contains antibacterial to combat bad breath.
If the various ways to get rid of bad breath above don't work for your bad breath problem, you should consult a dentist so that an examination can be carried out to find out the cause. Once the cause of bad breath is known, the doctor will provide appropriate treatment.