Question: I have had bad breath all of my life and have tried various remedies. I suffer with allergies and have post nasal drip. I do a sinus rinse daily, use a nose spray, and take Zyrtec. I have dry mouth and use a toothpaste and mouth wash for dry mouth. Are there any other remedies I could use to control this problem? I work with the public, and this is embarrassing.
Dr. Hibberd's answer:
Halitosis is the medical term for bad breath. Having allergies with constant drainage and a dry mouth all contribute to halitosis. Your diet also plays a role here, so go easy on the onions, garlic, and spices.
Your allergies are all controllable with the help of immunotherapy (oral or conventional shots) and appropriate allergy management (Zyrtec and nasal spray are a good start, but some need other medications).
The most common mistake I encounter with halitosis sufferers is the overuse of mouthwash. You set yourself up for a hostile bacterial flora with too frequent mouth washing, not to mention the chronic irritation that often follows overuse of mouthwashes.
Use mouthwash sparingly — no more than three times a week. Some mouthwashes are too harsh for constant use, so ask your dentist for guidance here. Your dentist can also assess your overall dental and oral health.
Brush and floss regularly, reduce your mouthwash use, and you will probably notice a marked improvement. If persistent halitosis remains, see your doctor for a more in-depth halitosis evaluation. This may involve evaluation for GERD.
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