Use natural tips to fight halitosis

If you've been noticing that your oral odor is less than pleasant, and people seem to be backing away from you when you speak, then you might have halitosis. Chronic bad breath can affect your life in a number of ways: it can ruin dates and even hurt your chances at a job interview. This is why you should do all you can to eliminate halitosis. Of course, this doesn't mean using the first product you find in your local drug store. You'll want to use natural, alcohol-free mouthwash, since anything else may dry out the mouth and worsen the problem

Recently, Yahoo Shine published an article by Natasha Turner, N.D., who offered some useful suggestions for how to get rid of bad breath without the use of harsh chemicals or alcohol-laden washes.

Go sulphur-free

It's important to understand that almost everything you eat has the potential to cause bad breath. According to The Mayo Clinic, halitosis is the result of food particles being broken down in the mouth. The mouth is teeming with bacteria - both good and bad kinds - and these bateria feed on leftover food particles in your mouth, which causes them to release a pungent odor.

However, keeping that in mind, there are some foods that will have more of an effect on breath than others, and those are foods that contain high levels of sulphur.

"It’s not so much the sugar, dairy, onions, garlic and coffee that can throw your breath off, it’s the bacteria that love them that will. Like other acidic items, highly processed and refined foods create an environment in your mouth and stomach that promote the growth of bacteria. In turn, these bacteria produce sulphur compounds that can remain until your food is digested," Turner wrote for the news source.

So lay off of the milk and onions for a while and see if that helps solve the problem.

Work on your dental health

Another suggestion Turner made was to improve your gum health to lessen bad breath.

Have you ever heard the expression "long in the tooth" to describe someone who's older? According to HealthGuidance.org that phrase comes from the image of someone's gums receeding with old age and exposing more of the tooth. Unless you want to this to be your future, it's time to start caring for your gums.

Gum disease is not only a threat to your oral health, it can also cause some serious bad breath. So when you brush your teeth, brush the gums as well, along with the tongue and the roof of your mouth. Bacteria can linger in these places because many people forget to brush there. Alcohol-free mouthwash can also help clean out these parts of the mouth.

Boost your good bacteria

Turner also recommended oral care probiotics. As you now know, bacteria is causing your bad breath, but good bacteria known as probiotics may be able to improve this problem. Turner cited a 2010 study which showed that this bacteria improved halitosis and also had a beneficial effect on the gums.

Furthermore, The International Journal of Contemporary Dentistry examined the effect of probiotics on cavities, halitosis and periodontal disease and determined that the bacteria have a positive effect on overall dental health.

So let's review what we've learned. To eliminate bad breath, avoid certain foods such as garlic, onions and dairy products, take good care of your gums and try oral care probiotics. These tips, along with alcohol-free mouthwash, should do the trick.