We live in an era where our minds suffer from information overload. And this information is sometimes not even credible. While we can easily ignore the myths about everyday things, doing so in case of oral health will cause us a big problem.
After waking up or eating your meals, you can often sense your foul breath. While there can be many reasons for it, people tend to fall prey to the common myths. Here, trusting the causes may not harm you but never adopt any solution. You must always seek a dentist's help in such cases, just like you do in full mouth reconstruction. Before drifting away from the topic, let us bust some common myths about bad breath.
Myths About Bad Breath
It's undeniable that bad breath is unpleasant; nobody likes to suffer from it. It makes you conscious and feels awkward during social interactions. Bad breath takes away your confidence to effectively communicate your emotions, feelings, and messages. But, hey, you're not alone! It is a common issue, and many people suffer from it daily. You may take help from search engines to find the natural causes behind it, and with luck, you will get the correct result.
However, how will you find which information is trustworthy? Here we bring you five common misinformation spread about bad breath. So, let's get some facts straight!
Myth 1. Bad breath is the result of foods we eat
The answer is both yes and no. you may have come across people telling you to avoid eating onion or garlic before a meeting or probably a date, as these can cause your clients and partner to feel discomfort with the garlic food you eat. And, trust us, nobody wants to smell what you ate. But, the effect of the strong smell of onion and garlic is temporary. Sometimes, even without these foods, you usually get accustomed to chronic bad breath, which is a cause of bacteria accumulation at the back of the tongue. That's why it is always suggested to focus on all crucial points of your mouth, teeth, and tongue.
Myth 2. I can identify when I have bad breath.
Very rarely. Cupping your hands between your nose and mouth may not accurately give you an idea about bad breath every time. Because it originates in the backside of the mouth and is released forwards when you open your mouth so, try asking for help from a friend or family who can test if you have bad breath or not.
Myth 3. Our stomach is to be blamed
Not exactly. Occasionally, it can be a result of some gastrointestinal problems. However, studies show that around 85% of foul breath issues result from sulfur-producing bacteria on our tongues. That's why we again advise you to clean your tongue with a scraper.
Myth 4. I brush daily, so I can't have bad breath.
It would have been good if that was the case. However, brushing regularly and efficiently are two distinct things, and the technique mainly determines the result. So make sure you brush two times daily and with the correct method.
Myth 5. A rinse with mouthwash can control my bad breath.
Mouthwashes can be an excellent option to check on germs and bacteria that cause bad breath. However, some food particles may keep stuck in different parts of your mouth. Only proper brushing can remove these stubborn particles.
These were some common myths about bad breath. Now, let's understand the actual reasons behind bad breath.
Actual Causes of Bad Breath
Bad breath can happen for numerous reasons, but it starts with the accumulation of sulfur-producing bacteria that hide under the surface of your tongue. Many reasons contribute to it, such as poor oral hygiene, gum diseases, tooth decay, and food stuck between your teeth. There are other contributors too, which are probably less common, like:
Dry mouth - It is Also known as xerostomia, where your mouth produces less saliva than required.
Gastrointestinal problems - A condition where stomach bacteria produce odor
Breaking down of fat - A situation where your body breaks down fat and releases foul-smelling acids
Tips For Good Oral Hygiene
Nevertheless, it all starts and ends with oral hygiene. So maintain a good dental care routine to keep your breath fresh. Here are a few tips to help you ensure that:
Brushing regularly
Everyone must brush their teeth at least twice a day, or in some instances, after a meal. Also, note the type of food you consume, as brushing after acidic foods and drinks can make your tooth enamel vulnerable.
Change your toothbrush
Using the same toothbrush for more than 3-4 months can reduce its efficacy, so try replacing your old toothbrush with a new one. Also, make it a habit to change it every three months.
Clean your tongue
Many people think oral hygiene is limited to tooth brushing only, but it is not the case. To keep your teeth healthy, clean and brush your tongue because food particles and bacteria hiding under your tongue don't go away with just brushing your teeth.
Extra tips
The above three tips can surely help you; however, some extra tips will only add to the positives of your oral hygiene. Read below:
Clean in between your teeth to remove trapped food, and use dental floss.
After brushing, rinse with a mouthwash.
Cut down on caffeine, smoke, tobacco, alcohol, etc.
Drink a sufficient amount of water.
Bottomline!
All these tips can help you maintain fresh breath, but try consulting valley creek dental care if bad breath persists. In many cases, people are unaware of underlying dental issues like tooth decay, so it is best to seek a dentist's help. As far as bad breath is concerned, it is common and manageable. You need to be more aware of your consumption and hygiene. If you need more information regarding oral health, visit our website.