Remember 2020, when life went virtual and everything from morning huddle-ups to happy hours shifted to Zoom? It had its drawbacks — mainly, many humans crave in-person interactions and socialization by nature. However, there was a hidden bonus: You didn’t have to deal with anyone’s bad breath or worry that someone else was dealing with yours.
Bad breath, also called halitosis, is an annoying condition. It happens to the best of us. Common causes of bad breath include eating certain foods, such as fish or something seasoned with garlic. More than pesky, it can also be embarrassing and lower self-esteem, according to one study. Sometimes, bad breath can even be a sign of something more concerning.
That said, more often than not, the condition is treatable. Here’s what to know about how to get rid of bad breath.
No one is immune to bad breath. Some causes are more common than others, and not all reasons for bad breath are preventable.
Bacteria trigger bad breath. It grows in the mouth, often on the teeth or tongue. Poor oral hygiene — like not brushing or flossing and skipping regular dental check-ups and cleanings — is the most common culprit of bad breath. These poor habits allow the bacteria to multiply and trigger halitosis in addition to other oral issues like cavities and gum disease.
Other causes include:
If you notice these types of bad breath smells frequently after not consuming these types of foods, call a doctor:
Get fresh breath in a snap and ward off halitosis long-term with these top tips.
Wanting fresh breath is understandable — and your suitemates at work and lunch crew will thank you if you achieve these goals. Bad breath is typically the cause of poor oral hygiene or simply eating something particularly smelly (but hopefully delicious). Twice daily brushing and flossing— perhaps an extra session if you had fish for lunch — can help you ward off bad breath. Dentists can do more thorough cleanings and flag issues like gum disease that can also contribute to bad breath. Rarely, halitosis is the sign of something more concerning. Speak with a doctor if you notice specific smells such as fish (if you haven’t eaten it), feces, rotten eggs, mold, or fruit/sweets. Your doctor can rule out any underlying condition.
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