Bad breath can happen to anyone. Most people deal with bouts after flavorful meals or after waking in the morning. However, some people tend to have some kind of issue daily. Preventive measures are the key to keeping bad breath at bay.
Causes of Bad Breath
According the Journal of American Dental Association’s article "Clinical assessment of bad breath: Current concepts" by Mel Rosenberg. Ph.D., Dr. Joseph Tonzetich of the University of British Columbia and his co-workers found that oral malodor (bad breath) is associated with the presence of volatile sulfur compounds, primarily hydrogen sulfide and methylmercaptan. Furthermore, they state that as with other body odors, bad breath usually is generated by bacteria. So in knowing that bacteria is a large cause of bad breath keeping up with proper oral hygiene is the greatest preventative measure there is. Other factors that contribute to bad breath are different foods, smoking, dry mouth, and gum disease.
Treatments for Bad Breath
For centuries', people have been trying to fight off bad breath. In the past people have tried many different remedies. Instead of just chewing gum, others have been known to consume parsley, cloves, or even guava peels after a meal. Home treatments do not appeal to everyone and luckily there have been great advances in the technology of the oral hygiene field. Flossing regularly is one of the best ways to keep bad breath away. In a study done for the article "Clinical assessment of bad breath: Current concepts," research showed that participants that flossed had significantly less mouth odor (P= .016), saliva odor (P < .001) and salivary cadaverine levels (P = .011) than those who did not. Another great way to keep bacteria from gathering is to use toothpicks. An absolute must for keeping bad breath from happening is to instigate a daily "gentle but effective deep tongue cleaning." Using a mouthwash is another way to kill germs associated with bad breath. Bad breath is at its worst when the mouth is dry so Rosenberg advises drinking "ample amounts of water."
The easiest way to keep bad breath in check is a small lifestyle change. Add a deep tongue cleaning and flossing session to the morning and bedtime routines along with regular dental checkups to ensure proper oral hygiene. Keeping one's mouth hydrated is as easy as carrying around a bottle of water. Please remember that if ones bad breath persists even after the small change in daily routine seek a dental professional.
Source:
JADA, VOl. 127, April 1996 "Clinical assessment of bad breath: Current concepts" M Rosenberg J AM Dent Assoc 1996; 127; 475-482.
Lara Johns - My name is Lara Johns. I graduated with a BA in English from West Texas A&M University. I also write articles for Associated ...
