How do you cure bad breath/halitosis?!
Question:
How do you cure bad breath/halitosis?
I have tried everything possible to cure this!! I bought online mouthwash treatments called pro-fresh that helped for a while (about 2 years) then I guess my body became immune to it b/c I'm back in the same predicament. I floss and use a tongue scraper TWICE a day! This is very embarrassing and I haven't asked my Dentist yet just b/c its so shameful. So any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Answers:
Store shelves are overflowing with mints, mouthwashes and other products designed to help people control bad breath. Yet these products help control bad breath (halitosis) only temporarily. And, they actually may be less effective in controlling bad breath than simply rinsing your mouth with water after brushing and flossing your teeth.
Certain foods, health conditions and habits are among the causes of bad breath. In many cases, you can improve bad breath with proper dental hygiene.
Try the following steps to improve or prevent bad breath:
Brush your teeth after you eat. Keep a toothbrush at work to brush after eating.
Floss at least once a day. Proper flossing removes food particles and plaque from between your teeth.
Brush your tongue. Giving your tongue a good brushing removes dead cells, bacteria and food debris. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush your tongue with at least five to 15 strokes. Pay particular attention to the middle third of the tongue, where most of the bacteria tend to collect.
Clean your dentures well. If you wear a bridge or a partial or complete denture, clean it thoroughly at least once a day or as directed by your dentist.
Drink plenty of water. To keep your mouth moist, be sure to consume plenty of water — not coffee, soft drinks or alcohol. Chewing gum (preferably sugarless) or sucking on candy (preferably sugarless) also stimulates saliva, washing away food particles and bacteria. If you have chronic dry mouth, your dentist or doctor may additionally prescribe an artificial saliva preparation or an oral medication that stimulates the flow of saliva.
Use a fairly new toothbrush. Change your toothbrush every three to four months, and choose a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Schedule regular dental checkups. At least twice a year, see your dentist to have your teeth or dentures examined and cleaned.