How to Cure Bad Breath Caused by Oral Bacteria

Cure Halitosis and Eliminate Breath Odor

Sep 19, 2009

There are some steps you can take to cure bad breath and avoid social anxiety and embarrassment.

To get rid of bad breath, or halitosis, can be quite a challenge. The causes of bad breath can often be linked to bacterial accumulation in the oral cavity. The result can be quite noxious due to the accumulation of sulfur. Although chronic halitosis can be difficult to treat, it is curable if you use proactive measures.

Plaque Can Cause Halitosis

Have your gums and teeth cleaned thoroughly to cure bad breath. You may need to have a scaling or planing, or deep cleaning of the gums. This will remove any accumulated plaque or tarter that may be contributing to your halitosis. Perform a deep cleaning every few months until your gums form a secure bond with your teeth and plaque no longer forms underneath the gum line.

Floss to Eliminate Bad Breath

Floss your teeth at least 3 times daily to stop bad breath. Rinse with peroxide before flossing to help kill bacteria that may accumulate between the teeth. Be sure to floss up to the gums to assure you remove all food particles. Use a floss that has a mint coating to contribute to fresh breath.

Bacteria Can Lead to Breath Odor

Scrape your tongue using a tongue scraper or a spoon to cure bad breath. Start at the back of your tongue and using moderate pressure, scrape from back to front. Allow any saliva to fall into the sink. Be sure to scrape both the middle and the sides of the tongue. Scrape as far back on the tongue as possible. Bacteria on the tongue is one of the main causes of bad breath.

Mouthwash as a Breath Freshener

Rinse with anti-bacterial mouthwash to cure halitosis. Rinse at least sixty seconds to ensure you have killed oral bacteria. Spit and repeat for another 60 seconds or more for severe bad breath. Use a mouthwash that does not contain alcohol in order to avoid over drying the oral cavity and contributing to bad breath.

Foods that Cause Bad Breath

Do not eat foods such as garlic, onion, fish, or other strong smelling foods. Sugary foods can also cause bacterial accumulation and contribute to bad breath. Avoid dairy foods, caffeine, tea and soda as well. These drinks can accumulate on the tongue and contribute to halitosis.

Rinse to Avoid Halitosis

Rinse your mouth after every meal if you are unable to immediately brush. Drink Plenty of water. When the mouth is dry and lacks saliva, it may exacerbate halitosis. Carry a compact toothbrush and mouthwash to work, school or when going out to ensure you can cleanse your mouth after eating or drinking as well. By practicing good oral hygiene you can avoid and cure bad breath.

The copyright of the article How to Cure Bad Breath Caused by Oral Bacteria in Oral Health is owned by Robin McDaniel. Permission to republish How to Cure Bad Breath Caused by Oral Bacteria in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Sep 20, 2009 7:21 AM

Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen :

These are great ways to get rid of bad breath -- flossing especially important, because it also contributes to overall health (bacteria in your gums is connected to heart disease, can you believe it? It's all about blood flow).

Another thing to remember is that disease can cause bad breath. I can't recall which diseases off the top of my head, but it seems to me that some illnesses can cause halitosis.