We’ve all experienced it at one point or another, but that doesn’t make it any less frustrating. Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is unpleasant for yourself and can be embarrassing if you are speaking to someone else. It is more common than you may think. Chronic halitosis affects more than 80 million Americans and it usually originates from the gums and tongue. Thankfully, there are ways that you can prevent it from occurring and stop it in its tracks.
Brush Twice a Day
Even though pretty much everyone knows that they should be brushing twice a day, many neglect brushing their teeth before going to bed. This contributes to bad breath because you aren’t cleaning away plaque and food debris that has accumulated on your teeth during the day. You could also try an additional round of brushing with baking soda. This makes it more difficult for the bacteria that causes bad breath to grow.
Floss Daily
Even if you brush twice a day, you wouldn’t be reaching every area in the mouth. This is why it’s important to floss. By removing food debris and plaque along the gumline and between the teeth, you are reducing the number of halitosis-causing bacteria in the mouth.
Use a Mouthwash
A mouth rinse is a great addition to your oral hygiene routine. It helps to wash away leftover food debris and residue. However, you should be aware that mouth rinses only temporarily cover up the problem if you are dealing with chronic bad breath. It could even make it worse by drying out the mouth. If dry mouth is the cause of your bad breath, look for an alcohol-free rinse instead.
Brush Your Tongue
Alike your teeth and gums, your tongue can also harbor bacteria. When you brush your teeth, don’t forget