Oral hygiene - Prevent mouth odor

Poor dental health and unhygienic habits can result in bad breath. Also, when you eat foods like onions, garlic, etc. It will cause mouth odor. Brushing and flossing the teeth twice daily helps to remove food particles in the mouth. These food particles promote bacterial growth in the teeth, gums, and tongue. If these particles are not removed, it will cause bad breath.

Other causes of bad breath

· Gum disease

A build-up of plaque in the teeth can cause gum disease. The formation of toxins is caused by bacteria that irritate the gum. Gum disease can cause bad breath, and damage the gum and jawbone if not treated.

· Poor fitting of dental appliances

· Yeast infections in the mouth

· Dental cavities.

Also, there are some illnesses that can cause bad breath. Some of them are:

· Bronchitis 

· Pneumonia

· Postnatal drip

· Chronic sinus infection

· Diabetes

· Liver problem 

· Kidney problem 

· Chronic acid reflux 

Toothpaste to fight oral hygiene problems

Practice the following tips, in order to avoid bad breath or mouth odor:

1. Brush twice daily with toothpaste that contains Flouride. This is a good oral hygiene habit that will help to remove plaque and food debris. Brush immediately after eating. You can brush even at work or school after eating lunch.

2. Brush the tongue very well twice daily.

3. Replace your toothbrush every two months. Also, replace it after every illness.

4. Floss twice daily to remove food particles in the teeth.

5. Use a mouthwash to rinse your mouth twice daily.

6. Remove dentures at night, and clean it thoroughly. Place back in the mouth in the morning.

7. Pay a regular visit to the dentist. Go for scaling and polishing of the teeth twice a year. Visiting a dentist regularly will help to detect any form of bacteria in the mouth that can cause mouth odor.

Recommended: IMPORTANCE OF REGULAR CHECK-UP.

8. To maintain good dental health, avoid smoking. 

9. Drink lots of water. It helps to keep your mouth moist. 

10. Chew sugarless gums: this stimulates saliva production which washes away bacteria and food particles. Chew mostly gums or mints that contain xylitol.

11. Consider the foods you eat and medications you take, they may influence bad breath. Some drugs cause mouth odor.

Mouth odor or bad breath can be very embarrassing. It can make you lose friendships, relationships, jobs, and many more. Take your dental health seriously and practice all the tips listed above.

Until then, take care of yourself