Do you also have bad breath? You can get rid of it with these methods

Bad breath (halitosis) is a very common problem that troubles millions of people. Sometimes this problem can also cause embarrassment and lack of confidence. Ignoring this problem is also dangerous for health. Let us tell you how to get rid of bad breath?

Why does the breath become bad?

There can be many reasons behind bad breath, most of which are connected to oral health. According to a study by Lancet Global Health (2025), about 31.8 percent of people struggle with this problem at some point or the other. The reasons for this are poor oral cleaning, accumulation of bacteria on the tongue, dry mouth, etc. Garlic, onion and spicy food can also cause bad breath. When this problem persists, it can be a sign of tooth decay, gum disease such as pyorrhea, or other health problems such as diabetes and digestion disorders. Dr. Rajat Sharma, dentist at Max Super Specialty Hospital, Delhi, says that the most common cause of bad breath is the accumulation of bacteria on the tongue and teeth. If oral cleaning is not taken care of, this problem can increase.

What are the symptoms of bad breath?

Symptoms of bad breath include bad odor from the mouth, bad breath on waking up in the morning or discomfort while talking to others. According to the Journal of Oral Health (2024), if this problem persists for more than two weeks, it may be a sign of gum disease, sinus infection or stomach problems. In some cases, people themselves are not able to notice the smell of their breath. They come to know about it from the complaints of family or friends. According to Dr. Anita Mehta, dental surgeon at Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai, if there is dryness in the mouth, toothache or sore throat along with bad breath, then a doctor should be contacted immediately.

You can get rid of bad breath with these methods

●Focus on oral cleaning: The most effective way to get rid of the problem of bad breath is proper oral cleaning. Brushing, flossing and cleaning the tongue for two minutes twice a day is important. The accumulation of bacteria on the tongue is the cause of 80% of bad breath, so a tongue scraper should be used. Using an alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash also helps reduce bacteria. Do not forget to clean the tongue after brushing. Use mouthwash once a day, but do not overdose it.

●Prevention of hydration and dry mouth: Dry mouth causes bacteria to grow very fast, which causes bad breath. Drinking 8-10 glasses of water a day and chewing sugar-free chewing gum increases the production of saliva, which keeps the mouth clean. According to the Journal of Dental Research (2024), hydration can increase bad breath by up to 30 percent.

●Diet changes: Garlic, onion and spicy food can increase the problem of bad breath. According to the Nutrition Journal (2024), eating high sugar and processed food increases bacteria in the mouth. On the other hand, chewing apples, carrots and green vegetables leads to natural cleaning of the mouth and keeps the breath fresh.

●Avoiding tobacco and alcohol: Consuming tobacco and alcohol increases the problem of dry mouth, which increases bacteria. According to the American Dental Association (2025), smokers are 50 percent more likely to suffer from gum disease and bad breath.

●Consult a doctor: If you are troubled by bad breath and are not getting relief from home remedies, then you should contact a dentist. Deep cleaning (scaling) or treatment of gum disease may be necessary.