New Health Experts Q&A Health Preservation

How to get rid of bad breath

Asked by:Ellen

Asked on:Apr 18, 2026 03:09 AM

Answers:1 Views:588
  • Prism Prism

    Apr 18, 2026

      Have you ever noticed someone subconsciously back away from you while you were speaking? Or do you feel your mouth is bitter and smells bad after you wake up in the morning? Bad breath not only affects social confidence, but may also be a health warning sent by the body. According to statistics, more than 80% of bad breath originates from oral problems, and the rest is related to the gastrointestinal and respiratory systems. Don’t worry, most bad breath is preventable and treatable. Today I’m going to tell you some scientific and practical tips for getting rid of bad breath.

    How to get rid of bad breath

      1. Rinse mouth after meals + clean tongue surface

      Food residues fermenting in the mouth produce sulfides, causing odor. It is recommended to rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash after each meal. Don’t forget to gently brush your tongue a few times when brushing your teeth—the back of your tongue is the “heavy disaster area” where bacteria hide.

      2. Chew tea leaves or sugar-free gum

      Tea polyphenols in green tea can inhibit the growth of oral bacteria; The chewing action also stimulates saliva secretion, which naturally "flushes" the mouth. If you don't like the bitter taste, you can make strong tea and gargle it for 30 seconds before spitting it out.

      3. Drink osmanthus tea or rose tea

      The aroma of osmanthus refreshes the spleen, while the green tea is antibacterial. When brewed together, it can both quench thirst and remove odor. Rose tea also helps soothe the liver and regulate qi, and is suitable for bitter mouth and bad breath caused by emotional stress.

    Symptomatic treatment of bad breath is fundamental

      1. Oral diseases

      Oral problems such as dental caries, periodontitis, pericoronitis of wisdom teeth and thick tongue coating are mostly caused by the accumulation of dental plaque and calculus, which in turn produces bad breath. It is recommended to clean your teeth 1-2 times a year to remove plaque and calculus. At the same time, you should do daily oral cleaning to reduce the growth of bacteria and improve your breath from the source.

      2. Throat problems

      Tonsil stones often appear as small white particles in the throat, accompanied by a very foul smell, which can easily be mistaken for ordinary bad breath and ignored. This type of stones cannot be removed on their own, and you need to go to an otolaryngology department in time to be treated by a professional doctor to avoid long-term accumulation that may cause throat discomfort or worsen bad breath.

      3. Gastrointestinal diseases

      Gastrointestinal diseases such as gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux, and Helicobacter pylori infection can cause abnormal digestion of food in the stomach, produce a sour smell, and be discharged through the respiratory tract to form bad breath. If it is accompanied by symptoms such as gastric bloating and acid reflux, a gastroscopy should be performed promptly to identify the cause and then provide targeted treatment.

      4. Systemic diseases

      Diabetic ketosis may cause the breath to have a fruity smell, and abnormal liver and kidney function may cause special odors such as ammonia smell. These are health warnings issued by the body. This kind of breath cannot be relieved through local care, and it is necessary to seek medical attention promptly to check blood sugar, liver and kidney function, and to check for systemic diseases.

    How to prevent bad breath

      1. Strengthen daily oral hygiene

      Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste every morning and evening for at least 2 minutes each time, focusing on cleaning between teeth, gingival sulcus and tongue coating; Rinse your mouth with warm water or mouthwash after meals to remove food residue. Use it with dental floss to clean the dead corners between teeth, reduce plaque accumulation, inhibit bacterial growth from the source, and avoid oral odor.

      2. Adjust diet and work and rest habits

      Reduce the intake of irritating foods such as garlic, onions, and leeks to prevent food residues from fermenting in the mouth; Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth moist and prevent dry mouth from causing bad breath. Maintain a regular schedule and avoid staying up late and overeating to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal disorders and avoid sour breath.

      3. Regular oral examination and care

      Teeth cleaning is performed 1-2 times a year to professionally remove tartar and stubborn plaque; Perform regular oral examinations and promptly treat dental caries, periodontitis and other oral diseases. If you have tonsil stones or gastrointestinal discomfort, seek medical treatment at the same time, comprehensively investigate the causes of bad breath, and achieve early prevention and early intervention.

      Bad breath is not a “minor problem,” nor can it be covered up with perfume or mints. Starting from brushing your teeth carefully, combined with dietary regulation and necessary medical treatment, you can truly say goodbye to embarrassment and have a refreshing and confident life every day.

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