Halitosis – or bad breath - is a widespread health issue, claiming the dubious distinction of being one of the most-searched medical terms on Google every year. As many as 15 to 20 million South Africans may be affected, causing personal and social discomfort. The good news is that the causes of halitosis are usually identifiable and easily treatable.
What causes halitosis?
There are several reasons why an individual may suffer from chronic bad breath, including one or more of the following:
- Bacteria feed off food that stays in your mouth
- The food you eat contributes to breath odour
- Smoking is a notorious contributor to bad breath
- A dry mouth indicates the absence of saliva
- Gum disease caused by the build-up of plaque
Beat bad breath
If you are affected by some of these factors, follow this expert advice on overcoming halitosis:
Have frequent dental check-ups
Dr Suvir Singh, an oral surgeon based in Cape Town, recommends regular visits to the dentist to keep problems such as gum disease and plaque build-up in check.
Keep a clean tongue
It is important to scrub your tongue when brushing your teeth: “Especially the back of the tongue – if there is any coating there, take care to remove it during your daily brushes.
Deep clean and rinse with a mouthwash
Using over-the-counter mouthwash solutions can help to neutralise bacteria in the mouth.
Keep your mouth moist
Try to maintain healthy saliva levels: avoid mouth breathing at night, and eat saliva-producing foods like apples or carrots during the day.
Ask a doctor for help
If the problem persists, consult a doctor and check for any throat, sinus or gastrointestinal problems.
Products to help you freshen up
Add these products to your daily oral-care arsenal for fresh breath every day:
Clicks Sweet Breath spearmint spray