Prevent and treat bad breath or halitosis

Prevent and treat bad breath or halitosis

Basic preventive measures

 

  • Se brushing teeth and the language at least twice a day after the meals. Change your toothbrush every 3 or 4 months.
  • Use dental floss once a day to remove food stuck between the teeth, or an interdental brush for people with wider teeth.
  • Clean dentures regularly.
  • Drink enough water to ensure hydration of the mouth. Suck on candy or chew gum (ideally sugar-free) in case of a dry mouth.
  • Consume fibers (fruits and vegetables).
  • Decrease the consumption of alcohol or coffee.
  • Consult a Dentist regularly, at least once a year for possible care and for a descaling regular.

Bad breath treatments

When halitosis is caused by the growth of bacteria in dental plaque on the teeth:

  • Using a mouthwash containing cetylpyridinium chloride or chlorhexidine, antiseptics that eliminate the presence of bacteria. Chlorhexidine mouthwashes, however, can cause temporary staining of the teeth and tongue. Some mouthwashes containing chlorine dioxide or zinc (Listerine®), may also be effective2.
  • Brush your teeth with toothpaste containing a anti-bacterial agent.

Note that there is no point in disinfecting the mouth if food debris and dental plaque, the bacteria-growing medium, are not regularly eliminated. It is therefore essential to remove dental plaque by regular brushing and tartar (calcified dental plaque) during regular descaling at the dentist. The bacteria colonize dental plaque if it is not removed after each meal.

In case of gum infection:

  • An appointment with a dentist is sometimes necessary in order to treat the pathology at the origin of the presence of the smelly bacteria causing the infection.

In case of chronic dry mouth (xerostomia):

  • A dentist or doctor may prescribe an artificial saliva preparation or an oral medication that stimulates the flow of saliva (Sulfarlem S 25®, Bisolvon®, or Salagen®).

Warning, the many products on the market promising a fresh mouth, such as candy, chewing gum or mouthwash, only temporarily help to control breath. They simply camouflage bad odors without addressing the source of the problem. Many of these products contain sugar and alcohol which can make some oral conditions worse.

 

 

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