Battling bad breath
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In health news, something that affects all of us at one time or another — bad breath.
It’s uncomfortable to talk about, whether you’ve got it, or have to sit a little too close to someone who does.
And that’s why a lot of people don’t know how to deal with it. We’re too embarrassed to ask. But the solution is pretty simple if you can stick with it.
If you watch enough chewing gum commercials, it’s easy to blame bad breath on what you eat.
It’s true that garlic, onions and coffee are more likely to leave a lingering smell.
But the real culprit behind halitosis is poor oral hygiene.
Dental Hygenist Andrea Muccini says: “After we eat a meal, food is trapped in between the teeth. The only way of actually reaching that food is to be flossing.”
Muccini is constantly urging her patients to floss. The food that gets trapped between teeth becomes a feeding ground for bacteria. And that bacteria can stink.
To get rid of food bits and microbes, brush in circles then whisk away from the gums. Follow that by flossing twice a day.
If you want to go a step further, use a mouthwash to get rid of lingering odours.
It’s not just your teeth that need cleaning. Most bacteria gathers on the tongue, so use a tongue scraper or the back of your toothbrush to clean it thoroughly.
Muccini: “Especially the back of the tongue. If we don’t brush our tongue on a regular basis then that attracts more bacteria. Basically the plaque and biofilm, which is the white sticky stuff that forms after about 24 hours. If we don’t do that, it will become more evident in the mouth, become stronger.”
Unfortunately, the solution isn’t simple for everyone.
Your genes dictate the type of bacteria that lives in your mouth. Some people are naturally predisposed to bad breath.
Acid reflux, or dry mouth caused by certain medications, can also lead to halitosis. So can major dental issues.
If your bad breath persists, there may be a more serious reason behind it.
Chewing gum is a good quick fix. It causes you to salivate and that can help wash away some bacteria. But it’s not a substitute for flossing.
