Are you embarrassed by your bad breath that just won’t go away? The official term for chronic bad breath is halitosis and this condition affects an estimated 1 in 4 people.
Chronic bad breath is usually a sign that an underlying problem is present, so you should always follow up with your dentist to evaluate your smile if you have persistent bad breath.
It’s understandable that you’d want your stinky breath to go away as soon as possible. While you’re waiting to see your dentist, what can you do the meantime to have a clean and fresh smile?
Mouthwash
Mouthwash can temporarily help your chronic bad breath although it won’t fix the cause of it. It’s important to not rely on mouthwash as a permanent solution to a constant bad odor or foul taste in your mouth.
You can ask your dentist which mouthwash you should use or he or she may prescribe a
mouthwash for you based on your symptoms and the cause of your bad breath [1].
You can also try to rinse your mouth out with essential oils if you have them on hand, such as peppermint. Try rinsing with one or two drops of peppermint essential oil in water which can give you a powerful boost of fresh breath!
Drink Water
Another major cause of chronic bad breath is dehydration, which can affect saliva production. When your oral cavity doesn’t have enough saliva, bacteria can quickly get out of control [2]. If your mouth feels dry, try drinking more water throughout the day and reducing your caffeine intake (which includes coffee, soda, and most teas).
Drinking water can help alleviate your chronic bad breath quickly, so don’t overlook this simple but important practice!
Chew Gum
Chewing gum can not only help mask your chronic bad breath, but will help increase saliva production which could be contributing to your bad breath in the first place.
The best gum to chew is sugar-free gum so it won’t increase your risk of cavities. When you need a fast chronic bad breath remedy, chewing gum is easy enough to have on hand.
Brush Your Tongue
Your tongue is home to many bacteria so be sure to brush your tongue along with brushing your teeth and flossing daily. Whether you use your regular toothbrush or a tongue scraper, don’t overlook this important part of your oral care routine!
Foods That May Help
There are certain foods that may help your chronic bad breath in a pinch. These include:
- Spices such as cinnamon sticks, clove buds, and fennel seeds that you can suck or bite
on (but not chew). You’ll want to spit out these spices after biting as they tend to be
strong and can irritate the soft tissues of the mouth. - Citrus fruit rinds such as lemon, lime, or orange, which you can rinse off and briefly
chew on to alleviate stinky breath. - Eating or chewing herbs such as parsley, basil, and mint can help as well, so order a dish with these when you’re out at lunch!
Getting Help for Your Chronic Bad Breath
It’s important to remember that gum disease is the main cause of chronic bad breath, so don’t hesitate to schedule a visit with your dentist to check for this oral health condition [3]. By addressing the root cause of your bad breath, you can get it to go away once and for all!
Sources:
1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bad-breath/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350925
2. https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/sig258649spec
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3412664/
