2. How Can I Prevent Bad Breath? This is What You Need to Know to Enjoy a Fresher Breath

Everyone experiences occasional bad breath—whether it’s after enjoying a cup of coffee, indulging in a garlic-heavy meal, or simply waking up in the morning. However, when bad breath becomes a persistent issue, it could signify a more serious problem. Unlike fleeting bad breath from foods or drinks, halitosis doesn’t go away with a quick rinse or mint.
Potential causes of chronic bad breath include:

• Poor oral hygiene: Brushing and flossing your teeth removes food debris that can build up and break down, causing bad odor. Poor oral hygiene causes plaque buildup, which later advances into stubborn tartar. These unhealthy deposits harbor harmful bacteria that cause bad breath.
• Tobacco use: Smoking or other forms of tobacco use encourage gum disease and plaque buildup, both of which contribute to bad breath.
• Foods: Certain foods are notorious for causing bad breath due to their strong odors or interaction with oral bacteria. Alcohol, garlic, onions, coffee, and dairy products can cause bad breath, especially when accompanied by poor oral hygiene.
• Mouth infections: Infected tonsils can cause bacteria-covered stones to form on your throat, causing a foul odor. Also, nose, throat, and sinus infections can cause chronic bad breath.
  Assessing bad breath by yourself can be difficult. It’s always best to ask your friend or close relative for an honest opinion. If no one is available, a simple way to check your breath is by licking your wrist and leaving it to dry. Any lingering bad smell suggests you may have halitosis.

Halitosis can lead to significant confidence and self-esteem issues. The good news is that it’s preventable. Observe the tips below tips to keep your breath minty fresh.

• Brush your teeth: Brush your teeth after every meal, and ensure you reach every tooth surface. Change your brush every three months or when the bristles are frayed.
• Floss: Brushing cleans about 60% of the tooth’s surface. Floss your teeth daily to prevent plaque and food buildup between teeth.
• Tongue scraping: Harmful bacteria, food debris, and dead cells can build up on the tongue, especially in smokers and patients with dry
• mouths. Brush your tongue daily and use a tongue scraper for more efficiency.
• Mouthwash: Use an antibacterial mouthwash to eliminate odor-causing bacteria from the surfaces your dental floss and toothbrush cannot reach.
• Routine dental cleanings: Schedule a professional cleaning appointment with a dentist every six months. These cleanings remove plaque, tartar, and other unhealthy deposits from areas inaccessible by your toothbrush.
• Avoid a dry mouth: Quit smoking, keep hydrated, reduce alcohol intake, and consider sugar-free chewing gum to keep your mouth hydrated.