How to keep bad breath away

Bad breath can be embarrassing in social situations, especially where you have to meet a lot of people and talk to them. If you often face this issue, a quick relook at your oral habits and dietary tweaks along with a few measures can help you keep bad breath, also called halitosis, away.

But before we dive into measures that can help, we decode what causes bad breath.

Experts suggest that it not only is a sign of improper mouth hygiene but can also indicate some underlying health problems that might need urgent attention. Caused by molecules like sulphur and ketones, it develops from the food eaten or also the medications that people may be taking. Food particles that remain in the mouth overnight turn into bacteria and cause bad breath. ”

Why bad breath is an issue?

Bad breath can have a major effect on the psychology of an individual. “Keeping your breath fresh is important in social situations and meetings since an unpleasant breath, or a feeling as it is known in science may be unsettling and have a poor effect on interactions,” said Dr Preeti Nagar, dietician, Noida International Institute of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Noida International University.

What can help?

Yogurt is known to bring down levels of hydrogen sulfide in the mouth. “The vitamin D-rich nature of curd also brings down halitosis,” said Dr Dilip Gude, senior consultant physician, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad. Crunchy high-fibre vegetables and fruits also help. “Citrus-rich diet/fruits such as berries and lemons also help fight bad breath,” said Dr Gude.

“Carbs and protein that help in dislodging stuck food in between teeth help fight bad breath. Also adding parsley to diet/chewing on it will help fight microbial growth orally,” Dr Gude told indianexpress.com.

Staying hydrated is essential while trying to treat foul breath. According to Dr Nagar, odour-causing bacteria and food particles can be eliminated with the use of water. “In addition to promoting general health, encouraging people to drink enough water throughout the day also helps avoid dry mouth, which is a typical source of foul breath,” said Dr Nagar.

Ensure you have fruits (Source: Pixabay)

Cucumbers, carrots, bananas, green tea, ginger, turmeric, pears, apples, and celery all help stimulate saliva production. “Rinsing with water (both mouth and throat) after either solid food/liquids is important especially to minimise halitosis,” said Dr Gude.

Additionally, sugar-free chewing gums are also known to bring down halitosis.

Apart from dietary choices, it’s crucial to maintain proper dental hygiene routines. Dr Nagar said that frequent brushing and flossing aid in removing food particles and plaque, both of which can aggravate foul breath. “Oral odour is frequently caused by germs on the tongue’s surface, which can be effectively removed with a tongue scraper,” said Dr Nagar.

While some foods can help treat bad breath, it’s important to watch what you eat to prevent making the problem worse. Dr Nagar pointed out that strong-smelling meals, such as onions and garlic, can leave a lasting impression on the breath, making them less than the best options when interacting with people or conducting business in situations where having clean breath is crucial.

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