Recognize the Causes and Ways to Eliminate Bad Breath

Although not a serious medical problem, bad breath often causes a person to lose confidence and worry that bad breath will interfere with other people. If you experience similar problems, understanding how to get rid of bad breath can help restore your confidence.

Bad breath or halitosis can be caused by various things. But studies show, 80% of bad breath is caused by problems with oral health, such as cavities or gum problems. Therefore, maintaining oral health is very important.

Recognize the Causes and Ways to Eliminate Bad Breath - Alodokter

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

Xerostomia, which is a dry mouth that occurs due to disruption of saliva production due to bacteria accumulating in the oral cavity.
Gastrointestinal disorders, such as H. pylori bacterial infections that cause stomach ulcers and acid reflux disease (GERD).
Sinusitis which results in post nasal drip or thick fluid flow 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 above health conditions, bad breath can also be caused by smoking, lack of oral hygiene, certain foods or drinks, and excessive dieting which causes carbohydrate deficiencies.

How to get rid of bad breath

If you feel you have taken care of oral and dental hygiene but still don't get bad breath, try the following methods:

Brush your teeth twice a day, regularly. You can also use mouthwash after brushing your teeth.
Change the toothbrush at least every two months.
Clean the tongue, and drink a glass of water after waking up to get rid of bad breath.
Remove and clean dentures if you use them, so that no bacteria multiply in dentures.
Chew orange peels, lemons, and parsley. The production of saliva, which is triggered by orange acid, can help eliminate bad breath, while parsley can neutralize unpleasant odors.
Check your dental health at least every 6 months.
Stop smoking and avoid excessive coffee consumption.
Chew low-sugar gum.
Reduce or even completely avoid alcohol consumption.
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 which have a pretty strong odor. Choose healthier snacks, like apples or raw carrots, because the water content in them can help clean the mouth. Eating healthy foods and eating regularly can also help prevent bad breath. In addition, you can use mouthwash deodorizing mouthwash. 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 in accordance with these causes, consult your doctor directly for further examination.