subject: Tips for Treating Bad Breath [print this page] Tips for Treating Bad Breath Tips for Treating Bad Breath
According to the American Dental Association somewhere between 35 and 45 percent of the population suffers from chronic halitosis. Bad breath can be a social obstacle and a source of anxiety. Gum and mouth washes only temporarily mask the problem. Halitosis is a persistent condition and always returns to create discomfort, shame and embarrassment.
There are a number of biological factors that may be contributing to your bad breath condition. The best strategic approach for treating chronic halitosis is visiting a specialist at a dedicated bad breath clinic. Only a specialist will be able to provide an accurate diagnosis as to the causes of your condition and an accurate diagnosis will allow you to determine which treatments will be most effective. (Be sure to choose a specialist that does not peddle their own brand of products! You want to find someone you can trust to honestly recommend treatments without any underlying conflicts of interest.)
If you cannot visit a specialist, the following are the best bad breath treatments available to you at home.
Brush your teeth twice a day with a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Do not brush more than three times a day as it can damage your teeth and increase halitosis symptoms.
If you wear dentures, be sure to soak them every night in a denture cleanser and brush all the areas of your mouth that come in contact with your dentures.
Use a tongue scrapper or brush your tongue especially towards the back every morning.
Floss every day. Better yet, use a Hydro Floss Oral Irrigator. These devices pulse ionized water molecules through the teeth creating a hostile environment for anaerobic bacteria.
Use a non alcohol mouth wash that contains chlorine dioxide. (Alcohol based mouthwashes will actually make halitosis worse!) Not all chlorine dioxide formulations are the same nor are they all equally as effective.
Have your teeth cleaned professionally every 6 months.
If you suffer from allergies or have sinus issues, your sinuses may be contributing to your bad breath problem. In these cases, a nasal irrigation system can help flush out mucus and bacteria.
If you suffer from xerostomia (aka dry mouth), a common side effect of medications, consider investing in products specifically formulated to relieve dry mouth such as saliva stimulating tablets, lozenges and sprays.
