How to get rid of bad breath

HEALTH | ORAL HYGIENE

Bad breath also referred to as halitosis can be a huge turn off. Joseph Mutyaba a dentist working with Smile Dental clinic in Bugolobi says bad breath stems from poor oral hygiene.

"Not brushing and flossing the teeth regularly results into accumulation of bacteria in the mouth. It is the chemicals released by the bacteria like hydrogen supplied, which smell like a rotten egg, causing bad breath, Mutyaba explains.

Persistent bad breath may be a warning sign of gum disease and tooth decay which can be worsened by crowded teeth says James Obua, a dental surgeon working with Industrial Medical Center in Kamwokya.

Obua says gum disease is caused by the buildup of plague on teeth and consequently bacteria which causes the formation of toxins that irritate the gums.

"Infections in the throat, lungs and stomach have been linked to bad breath. Smoking, chewing tobacco or tobacco based products and keeping quiet and not eating for a long time lead to bad breath," Obua says.

Moses Ssenoga, of Mukago Herbal Sanitarium in Kyebando says certain foods, like ground-nuts, garlic and onions contain pungent oils which contribute to bad breath. Moses says the aroma of such oils escapes to the lungs and affects the air exhaled.

Majority of people who present with bad breath, according to Mutyaba do not brush properly or do it hurriedly.

PICS: Chewing katunkuma is said to help eliminated bad breath (Credit: Agnes Kyotalengerire)

Managing bad breath
If you are a victim of bad breath, Obua advises to visit a dentist for a check-up to establish the cause. He also says brushing twice a day will curb the problem.

While brushing, pay attention to how you position the brush. Put it at 45 0 C, move it from the upper jaw to the lower jaw and brush the tongue as well, he advises.

Aside, first brush without tooth paste then rinse your mouth. Apply tooth paste and brush the second time. Do not rinse out the toothpaste because the calcium in the paste strengthens teeth while the fluoride neutralizes acids that cause tooth decay, Obua advises.

Also consider flossing as it helps to remove harmful plaque and food particles that get stuck between the teeth.

Mouthwash is a good remedy for bad breath although it has temporary results, says Mutyaba. He commends using an antiseptic type because it kills germs and reduces plaque.

Herbal remedies
Ssenoga says brushing using powdered charcoal absorbs all toxins in the mouth.  Additionally, brushing using green juice extract or chlorophyll from parsley and spinach helps to reduce bad breath

Drinking the solution or even juice extract from Ebombo and vernonia amygydalina (omululuza) or chewing katunkuma, mango and guava leaves are believed to stop bad breath.