Halitosis, the medical name for bad breath, is a condition where the breath has a foul scent. Usually, bad breath is actually a symptom of an underlying condition, which can vary. Sometimes the issue is benign and can be resolved, other times, it may not be treatable but can be managed.
Can mouth-taping help with bad breath?
Mouth taping is a practice used when people sleep. It is a breathable cloth-based tape which is able to comfortably flex with the mouth and allow enough air in and out of the mouth.
The aim is not to stop the flow of air through the mouth entirely, but to close the mouth enough that moisture from saliva is kept in the mouth. The rate of saliva production slows down during the night, which can contribute to a dry mouth. A mouth tape aims to tackle the issue of the mouth drying out.
Additional preventative methods to alleviate bad breath
There are a couple of ways bad breath can be alleviated; the main line of prevention is to keep up a consistent cleaning routine. This requires you to floss at least once a day, aiming to do it before brushing your teeth so any trapped food isn’t lodged in further when you brush.
Teeth brushing should be done for approximately two minutes, with a gentle but firm amount of pressure. Ensure you brush along the top and both sides of the teeth. Brushing the tongue is also an effective way to remove any foul-smelling bacteria that may be on the tongue.
Adjusting the diet is another way to prevent bad breath, avoiding pungent, acidic or sugary food, which are more likely to cause the breath to smell bad.
Attending the dentist is key to keeping the mouth healthy; going to routine check-ups allows any underlying causes to be detected and effectively treated.
Adjusting your lifestyle to make healthy decisions for your mouth. This covers things like quitting vaping and smoking, which are known to already have bad scents. When combined with the potentially harmful effects, this can result in other issues which can cause bad breath.
Quick fixes to remedy bad breath
There are some fast fixes for patients suffering from halitosis who just need a quick fix to refresh their breath. These include:
- Keep yourself hydrated and drink plenty of water
- Rinse after eating foods, and flossing can help as well, to dislodge any lingering food particles
- Using a sugar-free chewing gum
- Avoid pungent foods like onions or garlic
Can halitosis be treated
In most cases, when the underlying cause is pinpointed, halitosis can be treated. Book a consultation if bad breath is a persistent problem for you. We can help identify the root of the problem, so you no longer have to cope with bad breath.