Most of us in the course of our daily lives in Abuja, have encountered someone with bad breath in a public space. We usually try to politely ignore the assault to our nasal senses when around an individual with this condition and then laugh about it later with our friends. Bad breath is a topic that is usually approached with much laughter. For those suffering from this embarrassing condition however the subject is far from funny.

The medical term for bad breath is Halitosis and the causes of it are usually associated with the presence of a large quantity of bacteria, decaying food particles and dead tongue cells on the tongue. Sounds horrible doesn't it. Much of it is due to what we eat but fail to properly take out after enjoying a sumptuous meal. Poor dental hygiene like irregular brushing, lack of flossing and sometimes infections such as catarrh and tooth decay could also cause it.

It can be difficult to be aware of bad breath, especially if the culprit is you. However you could be on the safer side when you learn how to manage your breath so there's no need for a self examination. Below are some tips to keep your breath fresh and you from becoming the but of everyone's jokes.

Ensure proper hygiene

Brushing twice daily, in the morning first thing after waking up and the last thing before bed helps minimize the build up of bacteria that causes bad breath.

Chewing gum after meals

Chewing a sugar free gum is good for the mouth because it helps hydrate the mouth by producing saliva which washes away bacteria and food residues in the mouth. A dry mouth encourages the build up of bacteria just as oily/fried foods tend to promote bad breath.

Drink lots of water

Drink a lot of water in place of sugary fizzy drinks as the latter could cause sugar to deposit in the gums which could lead to tooth decay.

Get a proper tongue cleaner

Some tooth brushes have a tongue cleaner. These tools are very effective in fighting bad breath as most of the mouth odour comes from the tongue. Using one after meals is an effective way to avoid bad breath.

Use a mouth wash

Did you know that the stomach and nostrils can contribute to having a bad breath? That is why oral hygiene that goes beyond brushing ones teeth is very important. Anti-bacterial Mouth washes are a great additional support for keeping your breath fresh. Before going out on a social or business appointments, think about using a mouth wash to give you that extra confidence.

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