Bad breath or Halitosis has many causes, some of which include the following along with a few simple tips to help get rid of bad breath effectively:

1. Limit Tobacco Intake.

Tobacco use is a guarantee of bad breath. Quitting smoking or chewing of tobacco will do your oral health a lot of good. When you are ready to quit, ask your doctor or dentist for advice and support.

2. Watch what you eat.

Certain foods, such as garlic, contribute to bad breath. Once they are absorbed into the bloodstream, the smell is expelled through the breath, but the odours remain until the body processes the food, so there’s no quick fix.

3. Dry mouth (Xerostomia).

If your mouth is extremely dry, there is not enough saliva to wash away excess food particles and bacteria; which can cause an unpleasant smell. Make sure you flush your mouth with water after every meal to prevent this.

4. Other health issues.

Bad breath that seems to have no other cause may indicate an infection elsewhere in the body. If you have chronic bad breath and your dentist rules out any oral problems, see your doctor for an evaluation. Bad breath can be a sign of a range of conditions including respiratory tract infections, chronic sinusitis or bronchitis, diabetes, or liver and kidney problems, so it's important not to ignore the problem.

The best way to get rid of bad breath & improve oral health is to follow a thorough dental hygiene routine which includes brushing your teeth twice a day and daily flossing to remove the food particles and bacteria. Mouthwashes help, but they only improve bad breath for the short term. If you have a chronic problem, your dentist may suggest an antimicrobial rinse to help keep bacteria at bay.

Read expert tips for oral health and dental care here.

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