How To Get Rid Of Bad Breath Permanently 

Halitosis is commonly known as bad breath and is experienced by millions worldwide. It affects self-confidence and social interaction and is not something anyone wants to live with. However, it can be treated if the right cause is found.

Different reasons, including poor oral hygiene, underlying health issues, lifestyle and certain food and drinks, can all cause or contribute to bad breath.

Identifying the cause is the first step to preventing this condition. Here, we explore what causes bad breath and the steps you can take to prevent it from happening.

Table of Contents

1. What is halitosis?
2. What causes bad breath?
3. How to get rid of halitosis
4. What is a gingival massage?

What is halitosis?

Halitosis is better known as bad breath and usually describes a more persistent bad breath that isn’t easily treated by brushing, flossing, or mouthwash.

Various factors, including oral hygiene habits, underlying health conditions, or lifestyle choices, can cause bad breath, and identifying the reason is crucial in addressing the issue effectively.

Halitosis can significantly affect your self-esteem, confidence, and overall quality of life, so our guide will help you understand the causes, solutions and methods of preventing bad breath.

What causes bad breath? 

The main causes of bad breath are:

1. Poor oral hygiene
2. Gum disease
3. Food and drink
4. Medical conditions
5. Dry mouth
6. Smoking
7. Crash dieting

1. Poor Oral Hygiene

Not correctly brushing your teeth or flossing means food particles can get trapped in the nooks and crannies. Food that remains in the mouth will rot and breed bacteria, which will cause an unpleasant smell and taste in the mouth. 

2. Gum Disease

Bad breath could be a sign of problems with your teeth, such as gum disease, holes in your teeth or an oral infection. Infection means bacteria which cause your breath to smell.

3. Food and Drink

Eating or drinking strong-smelling foods and drinks, like garlic, onions, and spices, can cause bad breath temporarily, while regularly consuming sugary foods and drinks can cause tooth decay, leading to bad breath.

4. Medical Conditions

Certain conditions like tonsillitis and acid reflux can cause bad breath. It can also be a sign of an underlying health condition like a respiratory infection, diabetes, or a gastrointestinal disorder. 

5. Dry Mouth

If you have a dry mouth, the mouth doesn’t have enough saliva to clean itself and remove food particles, causing your breath to smell. Medicines, alcohol, stress or a medical condition can cause a dry mouth.

6. Smoking 

Smoking can lead to a dry mouth, gum disease and other oral health issues, contributing to halitosis.

7. Crash Dieting

Going on a crash diet, fasting, or even a low-carbohydrate diet causes the body to break down fat, producing chemicals called ketones that cause bad breath.

How to get rid of halitosis

Things you can do yourself:

1. Brush your teeth and gums at least twice a day for 2 minutes - Make sure to brush your tongue, cheeks, and the roof of your mouth. 
2. Use fluoride toothpaste - This will strengthen tooth enamel to prevent tooth decay and bad breath.
3. Use a tongue scraper to gently clean your tongue -  Most bad breath bacteria live on the tongue, so brushing or scraping the tongue can make a big difference in your breath.
4. Floss between teeth at least once daily - Flossing removes trapped food and bacteria to keep your breath fresh.
5. Stay Hydrated - Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep yourself hydrated and stimulate saliva production to combat bad breath.
6. Sugar-free mints - Use mints or gum after having strong-smelling food and drinks to refresh your mouth.
7. Use an antibacterial mouthwash - Rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash to help kill bacteria and freshen your breath.
8. Visit the dentist regularly - Dentists will offer a deeper cleaning and identify and treat signs of gum disease or other oral health problems. 

Things to avoid: 

Smoking and alcohol - Smoking and alcohol lead to bad breath and contribute to various oral health problems. With this in mind, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake can greatly improve your breath.

Avoid strong-smelling foods - If you’ve identified a certain food as the cause of your bad breath, limit it in your diet. Instead, opt for fresh fruit and vegetables to help prevent bad breath.

Rinsing your mouth with water straight after brushing your teeth - If you wash your mouth with water after brushing, it washes away the fluoride you need to protect your teeth.

Sugary foods and drinks - Sugar feeds bacteria in your mouth, which are the cause of bad breath.

Do not brush so hard that your gums or tongue bleed.

 

What is gingival massage? 

A gingival or gum massage involves gently rubbing or applying pressure to the gums using your fingers. 

It improves blood circulation, reduces inflammation, and promotes overall gum health to prevent bad breath.

Is it good to massage gums?

1. Improved Circulation - Massaging the gums increases blood flow, helping deliver oxygen and nutrients to the tissues and promoting healing.
2. Reduced inflammation - Gum massages can reduce inflammation and swelling in the gums, which is particularly helpful in mild cases of gingivitis.
3. Plaque removal - Massaging the gums can dislodge plaque and bacteria to prevent gum disease and bad breath.

Does massaging gums help gingivitis?

Massaging alone won’t cure gingivitis, but it can help your gums heal quicker. Gum massages can improve gum health and relieve gingivitis symptoms when combined with proper oral treatment.

How to massage gums:

Using your finger

1. Hold your index finger firmly against your gums. 
2. Move the tip of your finger in a circular motion.
3. Slide your finger along the gumline to cover all areas.

Using a gum massager

1. Press the device against your gum.
2. Activate the massager and move it along your gums.
3. Massage for about 10 minutes.

Products to help with bad breath

Foaming & Whitening Toothpaste

This foaming toothpaste kills the germs and bacteria that cause bad breath. Fighting plaque and preventing gingivitis, the toothpaste strengthens teeth and removes stains to keep your mouth fresh and healthy.

BLU Brushing & Whitening Device

The BLU device offers a 360-degree cleaning experience. With bristles to get in all the nooks and crannies and vibrations to massage gums, it’s an easy way to get rid of bacteria and keep your teeth sparkling clean. Use it with the foaming toothpaste for an all-round clean. 

Classic Sonic Blue Brush

This toothbrush head has gum massages to target gums as your brush. With regular and gentle modes, you can increase the vibrations as you need. 

Only the heads of the toothbrush need replacing, and the toothbrush is easily rechargeable, so you can use it again and again.

 

Shop the selection at GOSMILE

With proper oral health care and a healthy lifestyle, you can keep halitosis at bay for a fresh, healthy smile.

Add oral care to your daily beauty regime to floss, brush and whiten teeth so you can keep feeling your most confident.

Related Articles

How Your Yellow Smile Ages You

Benefits Of Flossing Teeth And Techniques To Floss Safely

Does LED Teeth Whitening Work?