Are you embarrassed to talk to someone because of bad breath? Yes, it can be quite depressing for you when people avoid you because of your smelly breath. Often, people with bad breath do not realise it until someone points it out to them.

When pointed out, it could crush one’s self-esteem. If you really want to know how to get rid of bad breath, you should understand the reason for bad breath, first.

What is bad breath?

Bad breath, medically known as halitosis, is a condition when an unpleasant smell comes from the mouth of an individual. It can happen even in healthy individuals due to several factors like diet. On the other hand, it can indicate the presence of an underlying systemic illness. Most of the time, it can be prevented or treated in a simple manner.

What causes bad breath?

The most common causes of bad breath are listed below:

1. Poor oral hygiene – When our teeth are not cleaned properly, the food debris and the proteins of our saliva cling onto the teeth’ surface forming a soft film called plaque. The food particles ferment and emit a bad odor.
2. Gum disease – Unclean teeth can result in plaque and tartar which can lead to gum inflammation. Bleeding while brushing your teeth is one of the symptoms of swollen and inflamed gums. Remember if your gums remain inflamed for a long time, you will end up with wobbly teeth due to a lack of support from the gums and underlying bone.
3. Dental cavities – Dental decay can progress to form cavities which in turn become spots of food lodgement. Fermented food particles are one of the contributing factors to bad breath.
4. Food products – Garlic, onion, and beverages like coffee or tea with milk can leave a lasting odor in the mouth.
   This type of bad breath is often short-lived and preventable.
5. Tobacco use – Apart from causing several health problems, smoking or chewing tobacco can cause bad breath.
6. Dry mouth – Saliva is necessary to keep our mouth clean and moist. When saliva is not produced enough, it can cause bad breath. Morning breath is an example of bad breath due to dryness.
7. Health problems- Sinus infections, pneumonia, acid reflux, and diabetes are some ailments that can cause bad breath.

How can I get rid of bad breath?

By following some simple measures you can keep bad breath at bay.

1. Oral hygiene maintenance- Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once can help you win almost half the battle against bad breath. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing at least for two minutes with a
   soft-bristled toothbrush. Remember to include cleaning of the tongue in your oral care regime.
2. Professional dental cleaning- Get professional dental cleaning once in six months to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth.
3. Routine dental check-ups – Your dentist can examine your teeth and advise you to undergo fillings if there are any new dental cavities.

If there are any underlying medical problems like acid reflux or diabetes, you need to consult your health care professional to resolve the issues with bad breath.