Ewww!!!: How To Treat and Prevent Bad Breathe

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Not only can having a bad breathe be humiliating for you, it is also socially unacceptable and offensive.

According to the NHS, treatment for bad breath (halitosis) will depend on its cause. Usually, the most effective treatment is improving your dental hygiene.

As part of your daily routine, you should:
Brush your teeth and gums.
Floss between your teeth.
Clean your tongue.
Cleaning your teeth

Your dentist will probably recommend that you brush your teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste. Here are some tips on how to brush your teeth and keep your mouth healthy:

Choose a small or medium-sized toothbrush with soft, multi-tufted synthetic bristles.
Replace your toothbrush every three to four months.
Brush your teeth for at least two minutes. Keep a toothbrush at work or school so you can brush your teeth after lunch.
Brush all areas of your teeth, paying particular attention to where your teeth and gums meet.
Your dentist or oral hygienist may recommend using a special single-tufted brush for specific problem areas of your mouth.
Use a separate toothbrush or a tongue scraper to lightly brush your tongue. Some toothbrushes have a tongue cleaner on the back of the brush head.
Use dental floss to clean between your teeth and remove trapped food that could cause tooth decay.
Brushing on its own only cleans about 60% of the tooth’s surface.
Your dentist may recommend that you rinse your mouth daily using an anti-bacterial or anti-odour mouthwash. This shouldn’t replace brushing, but can be included as part of your daily routine.
To help prevent tooth erosion, avoid brushing your teeth for 30 minutes after drinking an acidic drink, such as fruit juice, or eating acidic fruit, such as oranges.

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Eat a healthy, balanced diet and avoid eating strongly flavoured or spicy food.
Cut down on sugary food and drink, as it can increase the amount of bacteria in your mouth.
Reduce your alcohol consumption.
Stop smoking.
Cut down on coffee.
Drink plenty of water to help prevent your mouth becoming dry.
Chew sugar-free gum after eating, to stimulate the flow of saliva. This will help clean away any remaining food particles.
Make sure you visit your dentist for regular check-ups. Having regular dental check-ups will ensure that any plaque is removed from your teeth, particularly in areas that are difficult to reach.

Your dentist can recommend the best way to clean your teeth and gums, and point out areas you might be missing. They can also identify any signs of gum disease and ensure early treatment.

Culled from NHS UK