Halitosis

Bad breath occurs naturally when we eat certain foods or neglect to brush our teeth, but chronic bad breath, otherwise known as halitosis, is another story. Luckily, halitosis is easily treatable if you do the following things.

Brush and floss your teeth regularly, brushing at least twice a day, and flossing at least once. The best times to do this is directly after a meal to remove any food particles that may cause your breath to smell bad. Don’t forget to scrub your cheeks and tongue as well.

Drink plenty of water. If your mouth is dry, there’s nothing to help wash away bacteria that can stick to the sides of your mouth.

Check your zinc levels. Many people who suffer from halitosis often have low zinc levels. This is because zinc is a naturally occurring antimicrobial. Foods that are high in zinc include: tofu, pumpkin seeds, lentils, beef, and oysters. Just be sure not to consume any of these with alcohol, as alcohol reduces zinc even further.

Use natural oils. Peppermint oil and tea tree oil work wonders for killing bad odours and destroying bacteria. Put a couple drops on your toothbrush for instant good breath.

Eat the parsley garnish. Many people are quick to discard the parsley garnish that comes on most plates, but little do they know that parsley is a tasty way to deodorize their breath. This is because parsley contains chlorophyll.

Visit the dentist regularly. By attending your bi-yearly cleaning, you’re helping to eliminate plaque, tartar, and other inhabitants in your mouth that can contribute to bad breath.

If your bad breath persists even after trying these methods, visit your local dentist to help diagnose the problem.