Regular dental visits, brushing and flossing the teeth are the best treatments for halitosis. It is also recommended to brush or scrape the tongue daily to remove bacteria and build up. Add mouthwash to the dental hygiene to reduce the halitosis. Some people suffer from halitosis due to their medications. The common factor is dry mouth from the medications. The dryness of the mouth leads to halitosis so chew sugarless gum to promote the production of saliva.
The mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria. There are some forms of bacteria that produce gaseous compounds resulting in halitosis. Bad breath is often associated with lack or poor dental hygiene. The gums become abscessed; the teeth decay, or root, and the broken or cracked teeth harbor the foul smelling bacteria. Dental appliance such as bridges, dentures, and chipped fillings also cause the bad breath.
Halitosis is bad breath originating generally in the mouth but does sometime reside in the nasal cavities. Halitosis is the third reason individuals go to see the dentist annually. 85 to 90% of halitosis cases begin in the mouth. Dry mouth and morning breath are several factors for the bad breath. The bacteria build up in the mouth and tongue are causes of bad breath too.
The tongue is the main location for the bacteria build up that is often aggravated by foods and beverages that remain in the porous surface of the tongue. Food such as meat, fish, and cheese are frequent contributors.
To help reduce the bacteria leading to bad breath, scraping of the tongue is recommended. Tongue scrapers are located in the pharmacy sections of many stores or a common household spoon will work just as effectively.
Some individuals use breath mints, gum, and mouthwashe to help reduce the odors. These methods often only mask the breath but do not cure the odors. There are some mouthwashes with antibacterial components that help to reduce the odor causing bacteria. The mouthwashes also include tea tree oil and hydrogen peroxide that are great remedies.
The nasal cavities that harbor the odors can be due to sinus infections or blocked sinuses resulting in the nasal drip.
Tonsils, stomach, and medical conditions are contributors as well. To help treat halitosis, brush the teeth, gums, and tongue twice daily. Scrap the tongue to remove the odor causing bacteria. Drink plenty of water and clear liquids to rinse the mouth thoroughly. Chew sugarless gum to promote the production of saliva to naturally cleanse the mouth. Chew healthy foods in the back regions of the tongue to reduce the odors and bacteria.