Bad breath is a very common disorder that causes embarrassment and discomfort in those who suffer from it, but with some good habits and some quick and natural remedies, you can get rid of bad breath .
Bad breath, what are the causes
Halitosis is caused by anaerobic bacteria that live in the mouth and produce substances that contain sulfur, with an unpleasant smell. Generally halitosis is transient because the presence of oxygen contained in the saliva inhibits the growth of these bacteria: bad breath occurs when the supply of saliva decreases, making the mouth an environment suitable for the growth of micro-organisms responsible for halitosis.
It is therefore common to have bad breath in the morning as soon as you wake up or during the day especially when you have a dry mouth and can be determined by various causes.
Bad breath may then depend on the consumption of certain foods and beverages: we know that the breath worsens when we eat garlic and onion, but also a diet rich in proteins and alcohol intake can cause an accumulation of molecules that cause unpleasant odors.
Finally, let's not forget smoking: smoking is one of the main causes of bad breath.
Persistent halitosis, on the other hand, can be caused by prolonged intake of certain drugs, including antihistamines and antidepressants, poor oral hygiene and pathologies affecting the mouth: caries, gingivitis, stomatitis and periodontitis are often accompanied by persistent bad breath.
There are also serious pathologies that cause persistent halitosis, including diabetes and chronic renal failure, but in this case the bad breath is undoubtedly a negligible symptom compared to the disease.
In the absence of systemic causes, halitosis can be treated with proper oral hygiene and effective natural remedies.
How to prevent halitosis
Bad breath, how to prevent it
As we have seen, to inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause bad breath, an adequate supply of saliva inside the mouth is necessary: it is therefore necessary to drink a lot of water or infusions during the course of the day, do not spend much time in environments where the air is particularly dry and do not spend too much time between meals or skipping meals.
The diet should never lack fruit and vegetables, while it is better to limit the consumption of meat, cheese and fat-rich foods. As far as garlic and onion are concerned, they are both very good for the body, but it is certainly better to avoid eating them before an interview or an appointment. Limiting alcohol consumption and quitting smoking, in addition to bringing enormous health benefits, will certainly also improve the smell of the breath.
Oral hygiene is obviously very important to prevent bad breath: you need to brush your teeth after every meal to eliminate food residues; when brushing teeth it is also necessary to rub the tongue to avoid the accumulation of bacteria that cause the white tongue and, once a day, it is advisable to use dental floss or the brush.
Every six months it is advisable to have the dentist perform a deeper cleaning, which will remove the accumulated tartar and check the health of the teeth and gums.
Fast and natural remedies for halitosis
To improve the smell of the breath you can chew the fresh leaves of parsley, sage or basil, aromatic herbs capable of perfuming the breath .
Alternatively, you can chew sugar-free candies with essential oils of mint, lemon, rosemary or candies of pure liquorice, candies that contain chlorophyll or coffee beans. Chewing candy is also useful for stimulating the production of saliva, which as we have seen inhibits the growth of microorganisms.
With sage, rosemary, mint and basil you can also prepare infusions to be used as mouthwashes once or several times a day. For an antibacterial action, it is advisable to add a teaspoon of baking soda to the infusion.
After brushing your teeth or when you notice a bad taste in your mouth, you can rinse with mouthwash made with aromatic herbs and bicarbonate to refresh your mouth, stimulate the production of saliva and counteract the action of bacteria.
