Halitosis: The Big Cover Up

Bad breath, also known as halitosis or oral malodor (does this remind anyone else of Harry Potter?), is something of a preoccupation for many people. Almost everyone suffers from occasional “temporary” bad breath in the morning (morning breath) or during the day because of certain foods. Americans spend millions of dollars each year on products designed to “cover up” the bad smell in their mouths, to keep from offending friends and colleges. Breath mints, chewing gum, mouth wash, concentrated drops and strips—most of which have very little effect on the actual causes of bad breath. Their good scents are designed to overpower the bad ones.Without better answers, most people believe that’s the best “solution” (hint: they are wrong).

What Causes Bad Breath?

Temporary bad breath is generally caused by foods or bacteria in the mouth, and is often nothing more than a reminder that it’s time for a little oral hygiene. Brushing and cleansing the mouth generally clears it up. But bad breath can also be caused by stomach acids flaring up from lack of eating, or from lack of normal fluids in the mouth, which allow bacteria to grow and proliferate. Dry mouth can be caused by dehydration or certain prescriptions drugs and pose a threat to your dental health as well as causing bad breath. Chronic bad breath may also be caused by chronic poor oral hygiene.

Breathe easy, solutions are available!

1. Drink plenty of pure water to hydrate your body and mouth, eliminating the foul ­smelling bacteria that can form on your tongue.
2. For temporary bad breath, such as morning breath, try sucking on a whole clove or piece of cinnamon bark. These both have antibacterial properties and pleasant odors, and they are a healthy substitute for sugary, refined, candy breath mints, which can also cause tooth decay.
3. Using your toothbrush, brush your tongue with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda—especially way back near the throat where food particles and bacteria sit undisturbed. Floss with dental tape each night.
4. For chronic bad breath caused by dry mouth, it’s important to stimulate the production of saliva. Start by drinking more pure water, so that saliva can be produced. You can also try saliva ­enhancing products (gum, rinses, toothpaste, etc.), such as those produced by Biotene. If this doesn’t help, then you may have to stop whatever it is that is causing the dry mouth syndrome (usually drugs).

For all other types of chronic bad breath, a change in diet, followed by a cleanse, is recommended.Cleanse the colon, intestines, liver, and kidneys—in that order.

Fun Fact: Did you know that Matcha Green Tea is actually good for freshening breath?

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The post Banish Bad Breath: 4 Ways To Stop Halitosis For Good appeared first on BōKU® Superfood.