How to Cure Bad Breath

Bad breath, though a universal problem, is nonetheless an embarrassing one. It can be caused by something as simple as raw onions, or could be due to a dental condition. The best ways to do away with bad breath permanently is to find out the cause of bad breath and address it. However, if you are unable to pinpoint the cause, then you can take some general precautions that will solve the problem temporarily. One of the primary causes of bad breath is remnants of food particles in a person's mouth. Needless to say, onions, garlic and other foods containing volatile oils also cause bad breath. However, contrary to popular belief, these foods can continue to cause bad breath for as long as 72 hours after consumption.

Causes

• Another widespread cause of bad breath is bad oral hygiene and periodontal disease. Regular brushing and flossing are a good way to prevent the formation of plaque and consequent disease and tooth decay.
• Apart from dental conditions, sinus infections, throat infections, Bronchitis and other upper respiratory infections can cause bad breath, as does chronic lung infections and lung abscesses. There are several other illnesses, such as some cancers and certain metabolic disorders including kidney failure, liver failure and uncontrolled diabetes that cause a distinct or unpleasant odor.
• A mouth that lacks sufficient saliva can be the cause of bad breath too. While dry mouth occurs naturally while sleeping, chronic dry mouth is due to a problem with your salivary glands.
• Smoking, chewing tobacco and severe dieting also cause bad breath.

Natural Treatment

• While this may be common knowledge and an obvious observation, you'll be surprised how many people do not follow it. Brushing your teeth after eating can prove to be very helpful in treating bad breath. Always carrying a brush with you will make this possible. Apart from brushing your teeth EVERY time you eat, brushing of the tongue is also very important for eliminating bad breath.
• Another important step in good dental hygiene is to clean your bridge or partial/complete denture, if you wear one.
• It is also important to use a soft-bristled toothbrush, and to replace it every three to four months. Also maintain good oral hygiene by getting your teeth cleaned at least every six months.
• Drinking plenty of water will not only keep your mouth moist, it will also benefit your overall health. Do not use coffee, soft drinks or alcohol as substitutes for water. Another way to stimulate saliva, is by chewing gum or sucking candy. Nonetheless, try to use sugarless varieties.
• A remedy for fresh smelling breath is to munch on fresh parsley leaves or suck sugarless mint. However, know that this is but a temporary solution.
• Reports extolling the ability of cinnamon as a bad breath neutralizer have been in circulation in the recent past. It is said that unlike other breath fresheners, cinnamon does not mask the odor, but actually helps in the reduction of bacteria in the mouth. If you choose this remedy, either suck on a cinnamon stick, or use sugarless cinnamon-flavored gum.
• If you are on a diet, especially a low carb one, then adding a few carbs to your daily diet, such as slice of bread, may help reduce the bad breath.

These are a few ideas on how to cure bad breath at home, but in the midst of all these ideas, it is important to remember that a permanent solution lies in identifying the cause of the problem. If you think you have bad breath, don't consider yourself a social outcast. Try these solutions and if they don't work, then visit a doctor.