Have you ever had your confidence tested when the person you just said “Hello” to startled and took a quick step back? Most times, other people will take notice before the person who is afflicted with it – Bad Breath.
Bad breath can be caused by many things. Poor oral hygiene, cavities, bacteria on the back of the tongue are just some of the more obvious reasons for bad breath. Certain foods, smoking, dehydration, gum disease, or sinus conditions can be other causes for bad breath. In some persistent cases of bad breath a serious condition like gastrointestinal problems, sinus infection, bronchitis, diabetes, liver or kidney failure, or even cancer can be the underlying cause. People suffering from persistent bad breath should consult their dentist as well as their physician to rule out any serious health problems.
Ruling out any serious conditions, getting rid of offensive breath can be as simple as:
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Brushing your teeth at least twice a day, or after every meal, flossing daily, and brushing the back of your tongue.
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Avoid certain beverages, like beer, wine, or coffee. Residue from these beverages attaches to the plaque in your mouth and gets into the digestive track, then with every breath the bad odor comes back out. Black tea, on the other hand, will freshen breath as well as benefit your health.
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Eat fresh Parsley. This breath saver contains chlorophyll, a known breath deodorizer. You can also juice a few handfuls of the green goodness, mix in some watercress for a tasty flavor twist, and sip a little whenever the breath needs freshening.
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Ease up on the cheese. Some of the cheesy favorites are called strong for a good reason. They can get a hold of somebody’s breath and just won’t let go. Be cautious: other dairy products may have the same effect.
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Make sure you are well hydrated. A dry mouth is often a smelly one.
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Make your own gargle. Mix equal amounts of sage extract, Calendula extract, and myrrh gum extract, store in a tightly sealed jar at room temperature. Use to gargle 4 times a day. If you are out without your gargle, simply remember to rinse your mouth with water after a meal.
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Certain Spices have been used for centuries as natural breath fresheners. Keep a small amount of cloves, fennel seeds, anise, or cardamom with you to chew a few after a meal. Some of the flavors may be strong and may take getting used to, so, pick the ones you like best, they are well worth a try. Not only do they freshen the breath, they also aid digestion.
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As a last resort, there are always the cover ups – commercial mouthwash, breath mints and gum. They are really just a short-term fix, if you take a short ride with someone in a compact car, or similar situations.
