Treating Bad Breath
- Keep your mouth moist. Chew sugar-free gum after meals to encourage increased salivary flow, avoid becoming dehydrated, drink at least 3 litres of clean water daily.
- Eat regularly and consume plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Reduce or avoid eating meat products, particularly red meat. Avoid snacking on sugar based products (Those containing refined sugars such as Sucrose or Glucose). Refined sugars greatly increase bacterial growth in the mouth and this increase in plaque results in the production of greater volumes of offensive gases.
- Ensure you have a balanced diet with adequate intake of vitamins, particularly vitamin C. A balanced diet should include sufficient mineral content, particularly Zinc. Zinc and compounds of this metal are believed to effect plaque development.
- Don't smoke: nobody pretends that it's easy to stop but most people agree it makes sense for many health reasons, including avoiding bad breath. Seek professional help and supportive friends to help you quit. Dr Vernon Coleman's website gives excellent practical advice about giving up smoking and information about literature to help you adopt a healthier lifestyle.
- Daily and thorough removal of as much bacterial build-up as possible is an essential part of combating and preventing bad breath. For recommended products in addition to a normal tooth brush please see the FRESH BREATH KIT.
- Use of oxidant tooth pastes and mouth sprays such as Retardex tooth paste and oral spray are essential to control halitosis. Fluoride toothpastes should also be used daily but not together with Retardex products. Visit your dentist regularly for checks of all aspects of your mouth health, especially your gums. It is advisable to allow either your dentist or a hygienist to clean round your teeth and gums frequently (As recommended by your dentist). This extra help, over and above your own daily discipline of cleaning, will enhance the cleanliness of your mouth and contribute to reducing halitosis and gum disease.
