How To Get Rid Of Bad Breath In South Africa

Overview

A persistent, unpleasant odour in exhaled breath, usually not serious, commonly called bad breath.

Bad breath can have causes that aren’t due to underlying disease. Examples include poor dental hygiene, dehydration or recently eating certain foods like onions or garlic.

To reduce bad breath, help avoid cavities and lower your risk of gum disease, consistently practice good oral hygiene. Further treatment for bad breath can vary, depending on the cause. If your bad breath is thought to be caused by an underlying health condition, your dentist will likely refer you to your primary care provider.

How To Get Rid Of Bad Breath In South Africa

Mouth rinses and toothpastes. If your bad breath is due to a buildup of bacteria (plaque) on your teeth, your dentist may recommend a mouth rinse that kills the bacteria. Your dentist may also recommend a toothpaste that contains an antibacterial agent to kill the bacteria that cause plaque buildup.
Treatment of dental disease. If you have gum disease, you may be referred to a gum specialist (periodontist). Gum disease can cause gums to pull away from your teeth, leaving deep pockets that fill with odor-causing bacteria. Sometimes only professional cleaning removes these bacteria. Your dentist might also recommend replacing faulty tooth restorations, a breeding ground for bacteria.

Brush your teeth after you eat. Keep a toothbrush at work to use after eating. Brush using a fluoride-containing toothpaste at least twice a day, especially after meals. Toothpaste with antibacterial properties has been shown to reduce bad breath odors.
Floss at least once a day. Proper flossing removes food particles and plaque from between your teeth, helping to control bad breath.
Brush your tongue. Your tongue harbors bacteria, so carefully brushing it may reduce odors. People who have a coated tongue from a significant overgrowth of bacteria (from smoking or dry mouth, for example) may benefit from using a tongue scraper. Or use a toothbrush that has a built-in tongue cleaner.
Clean dentures or dental appliances. If you wear a bridge or a denture, clean it thoroughly at least once a day or as directed by your dentist. If you have a dental retainer or mouth guard, clean it each time before you put it in your mouth. Your dentist can recommend the best cleaning product.
Avoid dry mouth. To keep your mouth moist, avoid tobacco and drink plenty of water — not coffee, soft drinks or alcohol, which can lead to a drier mouth. Chew gum or suck on candy (preferably sugarless) to stimulate saliva. For chronic dry mouth, your dentist or physician may prescribe an artificial saliva preparation or an oral medication that stimulates the flow of saliva.
Adjust your diet. Avoid foods such as onions and garlic that can cause bad breath. Eating a lot of sugary foods is also linked with bad breath.
Regularly get a new toothbrush. Change your toothbrush when it becomes frayed, about every three to four months, and choose a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Schedule regular dental checkups. See your dentist on a regular basis — generally twice a year — to have your teeth or dentures examined and cleaned.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

Will bad breath ever go away?

Our mouths are naturally full of harmless bacteria that feed on the food particles left behind on the teeth, creating plaque. This process leaves behind a foul-smelling waste product that causes bad breath. Simply maintaining a good brushing and flossing regimen will help eliminate the bad breath

What is the main cause of bad breath?

If you don’t brush and floss daily, food particles remain in your mouth, causing bad breath. A colorless, sticky film of bacteria (plaque) forms on your teeth. If not brushed away, plaque can irritate your gums and eventually form plaque-filled pockets between your teeth and gums (periodontitis).

How do I know if my breath stinks?

If you lick your wrist, let it dry for a moment, then take a whiff, you should be able to get an idea if your breath has an odour too. Another method is to floss towards the back of your mouth, then smell the floss. Or gently scrape your tongue using a tongue scraper or soft bristle toothbrush, then smell the scraper.

Is there a pill for bad breath in South Africa?

If bad breath is due to GERD, drugs such as H2 blockers, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or antacids may also be recommended.

Is bad breath curable in South Africa?

Most of the time, bad breath can be cured and prevented with proper oral hygiene. It is rarely life-threatening, and the prognosis is good. However, bad breath may be a complication of a medical disorder that needs to be treated.

What causes bad breath even after brushing?

Bacteria, gum disease, cavities, dry mouth, poorly fitting dental devices, and infections are among the leading causes of bad breath. Sometimes problems in the intestinal tract, liver, and kidneys are at the root of the problem.

Is there a pill for bad breath?

Oral care probiotics that contain high numbers of S. salivarius K12 and/or S. salivarius M18 bacteria can help restore levels of healthy bacteria into your mouth. Both these strains help maintain good oral health and limit both bad breath and tooth decay.

How can I tell if my breath stinks?

Need to check how your breath smells quickly? Try the sniff test—there are a couple of ways to do it. If you lick your wrist, let it dry for a moment, then take a whiff, you should be able to get an idea if your breath has an odor too. Another method is to floss toward the back of your mouth, then smell the floss.

Can bad breath come from the stomach?

Chronic reflux of stomach acids (gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD) can be associated with bad breath

Does drinking water help bad breath?

The research published in the International Journal of Dental Hygiene has shown that drinking or rinsing the mouth with a glass of water helped remove up to 60 per cent of the substances which contribute to bad breath

What vitamins should I take for smelly breath?

Vitamin C is an excellent source of preventing the growth of bacteria in our mouth. Including oranges and other citrus fruit in your diet, along with berries and melons, etc, mean minimizing bad breath, Vitamin C also prevents many gum infections, which eventually leads to minimizing bad breath.

Does baking soda help with bad breath?

Studies have shown that baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, can effectively kill bacteria in the mouth. Research indicates that toothpastes containing high concentrations of baking soda effectively reduce bad breath. To make a baking soda mouthwash, add 2 teaspoons of baking soda to 1 cup of warm water.

Can lemon cure bad breath?

Lemon juice is thought to help reduce smelly breath because of its strong antibacterial properties that help neutralize odors. Either suck on a lemon wedge or mix a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice into a glass of water for a quick fix after an odorous meal