How to get rid of bad breath. Bad breath is one of those things that’s a bit hard to talk about. Realizing that you have bad breath can be a little bit embarrassing and telling someone that they have bad breath is super awkward.
On top of that, it’s quite hard to judge your breath so while some people might be paranoid that they have bad breath when they don’t, others might be walking around blissfully unaware that they have terrible breath. All in all, it can be easier just to pretend the problem doesn’t exist.
Besides freshening your breath, mouthwash adds extra protection by getting rid of bacteria. A fresh minty taste can make you feel good. But be sure the mouthwash you choose kills the germs that cause bad breath. The coating that normally forms on your tongue can be a host for smelly bacteria. To get rid of them, gently brush your tongue with your toothbrush.
Try a scraper if your brush is too big to comfortably reach the back of your tongue. “They’re designed specifically to apply even pressure across the surface of the tongue area. This removes bacteria, food debris, and dead cells that brushing alone can’t take care of,” says hygienist Pamela L. Quinones, past president of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association. Onions and garlic are big offenders.
But brushing after you eat them doesn’t help. The substances that cause their bad smells make their way into your bloodstream and travel to your lungs, where you breathe them out, says dentist Richard Price, DMD, a spokesperson for the American Dental Association. The best way to stop the problem? Don’t eat them, or at least avoid them before you go to work or see friends. Gum disease causes bad breath. Bacteria gather in pockets at the base of teeth, which creates an odor. If you have gum disease, your dentist may suggest you see a periodontist, who specializes in treating it.
