Health & Hygiene: How to banish bad breath

Poor oral hygiene, smoking, extreme dieting and medical conditions such as gum disease and dental abscesses are just a selection of the culprits responsible for the development of halitosis – an unpleasant and embarrassing condition that affects one in four people on a regular basis – but did you know that something as simple as a few basic lifestyle changes can not only reduce your risk of suffering from bothersome breath, but improve an existing problem?

Here are my top three tips for banishing bad breath:
• Clean your tongue – renowned for being one of the most common causes of halitosis, the tongue is prone to an accumulation of bacteria, decaying food debris and dead cells – all of which can emit foul odours if left to gather in excess. Ensuring that you thoroughly clean your tongue via a toothbrush or tongue scraper at least twice a day is a great way to keep bad breath at bay, and avoid the accumulation of bacteria.
• Opt for a traditional remedy – aside from chewing fresh mint, peppermint or parsley, adding three aniseeds to a cup of boiling water before allowing it to steep for 5-10 minutes and cool, not only creates a traditional breath freshening remedy, but an alcohol free mouthwash that can be used multiple times a day.
• Dissect your diet – onions, garlic, spicy food, fish, meat, strong cheeses and food and drink sources high in sugar – the latter guilty of increasing the amount of bacteria in the mouth – can all contribute to the development of bad breath. Aim to consume a healthy, balanced diet, reduce your coffee and alcohol intake and drink plenty of water to prevent a dry mouth.

Don’t be afraid to discuss bothersome breath with your GP or dentist if the problem continues to persist. These particular medical professionals will not only be able to eliminate an underlying medical condition, but advise you on the best course of action to take in order to tackle a persistent problem.