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Do you ever talk to someone and while listening, he/she close his/her nose closely? Isn’t it annoying? Well, you should realize while you talk or whisper, maybe they smell something bad from your mouth. Bad breath, or halitosis, can be a major problem, especially when you’re about to talk something seriously to other. However you don’t have to be worry because bad breath can often be prevented with some simple steps. Before knowing how to eradicate it, maybe you should also know the causes.

Bad breath is caused by odor-producing bacteria that grow in the mouth. When you don’t brush and floss regularly, bacteria accumulate on the bits of food left in your mouth and between your teeth. The sulfur compounds released by these bacteria make your breath smell.

Certain foods, especially ones like garlic and onions that contain pungent oils, can contribute to bad breath because the oils are carried to your lungs and out through your mouth. Smoking is also a major cause of bad breath.

One thing you should know is when you breathe into your hand, you can not simply diagnose if you have bad breath or not. When you breathe, you don’t use your throat the same way you do when you talk. When you talk, you tend to bring out the odors from the back of your mouth (where bad breath originates), which simply breathing doesn’t do. Also, because we tend to get used to our own smells, it’s hard for a person to tell if he or she has bad breath.

Here are the steps you should to get rid of bad breath,

1. If you do use mouthwash, look for an antiseptic (kills the germs that cause bad breath) and plaque-reducing one with a seal from the American Dental Association (ADA). When you’re deciding which dental products to toss into your shopping cart, it’s always a good idea to look for those that are accepted by the ADA. Also, ask your dentist what he or she recommends.

2. Don’t just brush your teeth, remember to brush your tongue too because bacteria love to live there. To sufficiently clean all the surfaces of your teeth, you should brush for at least 2 minutes and at least twice a day. It’s equally important to floss because brushing alone won’t remove harmful plaque and food particles that become stuck between your teeth and gums.

3. Taking some sugar-free gums and mints can temporarily mask odors, too.

4. If you think that you brush and floss properly and visit your dentist for regular cleanings, but your bad breath persists, you may have a medical problem like sinusitis or gum disease. Call your doctor or dentist if you suspect a problem. They can figure out if something else is behind your bad breath and help you take care of it.

the toothbrush photo by channah

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