It can be hard to separate fact from fiction when it comes to the reasons for bad breath.
This has put many people (over 80 million Americans to be exact) into a never-ending cycle of bad breath (halitosis).
Halitosis isn’t a condition to be taken lightly. Having chronic bad breath can cause people to withdraw socially, become depressed, and in extreme conditions, even stop leaving their homes.
Knowledge is power when it comes to figuring out how to avoid bad breath. So keep reading to cut through the myths and get to the real causes of bad breath.
Myth #1: You Can Tell If You Have Bad Breath by Breathing into Your Hand
This is a myth perpetuated by silly comedies and sitcoms. You know … right before guy meets girl, he blows into his cupped hand to see if his breath is fresh.
In real life, however, this method of bad breath self-diagnosis simply doesn’t work. Why?
First, there’s a big difference in the number of bad breath molecules that are released into the air when you talk versus when you breathe.
Second, it’s human nature to become immune to our own smells. In essence, our brains get used to the smell of our own breath, so we can’t register how bad it is.
Myth #2: Brushing Your Teeth More Often is the Cure for Bad Breath
Many people try to brush away their bad breath. Yet, this way of thinking can backfire. Not only does excessive tooth brushing NOT get rid of bad breath … it can also weaken your enamel, giving you tooth sensitivity. Over-brushing can also give you receding gums. Damage to the gums can lead to periodontal disease and cavities on the roof of the teeth, both of which cause bad breath.
Tooth Brushing To-Dos
- Brush your teeth twice a day for 2 minutes (recommended by the American Dental Association).
- Use a soft- or extra soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Don’t saw the toothbrush back-and-forth against your gums. Aim for short strokes in a circular motion, holding the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle.
- Apply just enough pressure to feel the bristles against your gums. Anything else is too hard.
Myth #3: Stinky Foods Are the Reason for Bad Breath
Yes and no. While it’s true that odorous foods like garlic and onions will give you bad breath, that unpleasant smell is short-lived. Chronic bad breath is caused by an abundance of Volatile Sulfur Compounds (VSCs) in the mouth. In non-techy terms, VSCs are “bad breath molecules.” These molecules are caused by a buildup of bacteria in the mouth, most often caused by poor oral hygiene.
Myth #4: Brushing Your Tongue Will Get Rid of Bad Breath
The poor, overlooked tongue. Just a quick swipe with the toothbrush, and everyone thinks they’re good to go with fresh breath.
The truth is, a toothbrush isn’t very good at reaching and removing Volatile Sulfur Compounds from the tongue. (Remember – those are the stinky sulfur compounds that give you bad breath.)
Did you know? It’s estimated that 80-90% of all bad breath comes from the way back of the tongue. That’s why it’s important to use a special tool for removing those molecules: a tongue scraper, aka a tongue cleaner.
Tongue scrapers remove 75% more odor-causing bacteria versus brushing the tongue!
Dentists recommend Oxyfresh Oolitt® Elite Tongue Scraper. It’s gentle on the tongue, easy to use, and is a must for daily fresh breath.
Myth #5: Mouthwash = Fresh Breath
In reality, this is just “swishful” thinking.
Like with mints and gums, alcohol-based mouthwashes only MASK bad breath, and for a short period of time at that! Ironically, these mouthwashes can actually make bad breath worse post-swish.
How can this be? Well, alcohol is a drying agent. Dry mouth is a leading cause of bad breath. So while the alcohol initially kills the germs, it dries out the mouth at the same time, leading to even more bad breath molecules shortly after swishing.
Instead, make the switch to an alcohol-free mouthwash, like Oxyfresh Lemon-Mint Power Rinse. It’s powered by essential oils, zinc and Oxygene® to completely dissolve (oxidize) Volatile Sulfur Compounds on contact, the main cause of bad breath. Plus, it’s formulated with Aloe vera to soothe the gums and help prevent dry mouth.
Say Goodbye to Bad Breath … for Life.
Halitosis does NOT need to be a lifelong problem for you. Now that you know the myths surrounding bad breath, it’s time to take control of your oral hygiene routine and cure your bad breath for good.
It starts with having the right dental products to neutralize Volatile Sulfur Compounds and keep your gums and teeth in great shape. Dentist-recommend Oxyfresh products are backed by science and guaranteed to freshen the breath for 6 hours at a time. Try them, love them!
