If you have bad breath, you are probably very tired of it and are desperately looking for a solution. After all, you do not want to embarrass yourself while talking to someone face to face. Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is often caused due to poor oral health. However, there might be other causes as well.
Halitosis is not a condition to be taken lightly. It can make one socially awkward, depressed, and even stop going out of their homes. You may have gotten many tips and tricks from your friends and family to fix this problem. However, it is important to consult a family dentist Omaha, NE, to point out certain myths to filter your knowledge about the matter.
Myths about bad breath
- You can tell if you have a bad breath by breathing into your hand.
This myth is quite popular in Omaha, NE. You may have seen in movies that guys blow air into their cupped hands to check how their breath smells. In real life, this method of self-diagnosis does not work.
First of all, there is a difference between the number of bad breath particles released when you talk vs. when you blow air. Secondly, humans are often immune to their own smells. Since your body’s smell becomes normal for you, you cannot be the judge of how bad or good you smell.
- You have an underlying illness if you have bad breath.
This is not usually true and is sometimes said to scare people. Bad breath is usually caused due to the accumulation of food particles in the mouth and the formation of plaque and bacteria. Bad breath is often caused by tongue coating and sore, swollen, or infected gums. Although halitosis can arise from a problem in the nose, throat, kidneys, intestines, or lungs, it is rarely the case.
- Mouthwash always gets rid of bad breath.
The first thing people want when they experience bad breath is mouthwash. The strong mint flavor of the dental hygiene product can make it seem like the bad smell is gone, but that is only temporary.
Most mouthwashes contain antiseptic, which removes the halitosis-causing bacteria from your mouth. Therefore, this solution only works for a while until you eat food and bacteria start accumulating again.
- Brushing your teeth more often can cure your bad breath.
When people receive comments about having bad breath, they immediately think of brushing their teeth more often. Not only does this method not work, but it can also backfire because brushing too often can weaken your enamel and gums. Gum damage can lead to periodontal diseases and cavities, both of which cause bad breath.
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