HELP! I HAVE BAD BREATH
QI suffer from severe bad breath. I have been using several different types of toothpastes but nothing seems to work. I have no major problems with my teeth such as sensitivity or decay or cavities. Please help!
ABad breath or halitosis is a condition that can cause considerable social embarrassment. Even though there are some medical conditions such as sinus infections with post-nasal drip, diabetes or acid reflux that can lead to bad breath, the most common cause is poor dental health, especially when you have a gum disease (periodontitis).
I don’t know whether you have had an oral examination to rule out any gum disease. The warning signs are bleeding when you brush or floss, swelling of the gums and itchiness or pain in the gums. In case you have gum disease, it is important that you visit a dentist to get the condition diagnosed and treated before it can cause more damage to the gums and the supporting bone.
Bad breath can occur if you have a dry mouth. Make sure you drink adequate quantities of water (at least two litres) during the day to keep your mouth moist. You may also use sugarless chewing gum. Monitor your food and medications to notice if any of them are causing bad breath. Avoid smoking, tobacco products and eating foods such as those with a lot of garlic and onion in them.
To avoid bad breath, make sure you brush your teeth and tongue after a big meal. It is also very important that you floss your teeth at least once a day as gum disease most commonly starts between the teeth. You could use an antiseptic mouthwash that is alcohol-free.
You should visit a dentist at least twice a year for an oral exam and professional cleaning to prevent or treat any gum disease.