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There are few things more embarrassing than having bad breath. It can ruin a first kiss, an interview, or generally any first impression. Sometimes it’s the temporary result of eating pungent foods such as onions or garlic, but for many, it can be a chronic and frustrating condition. Luckily, bad breath is usually a highly treatable condition.
The medical term for bad breath is halitosis. Studies show that more than 80 million people suffer from chronic halitosis and half of adults have had it at some point in their lives. Oftentimes, bad breath originates from poor oral hygiene, but that’s not always the case. In order to fight something, it’s important to understand the root causes and the factors that can increase the likelihood of it happening to you. Here are some common causes of bad breath:
- Bacteria in the mouth due to poor dental hygiene.
- Not following a daily oral hygiene routine can allow bacteria to build up in your mouth and on your gums. If plaque is allowed to build up on your teeth for too long, this could lead to gum or periodontal disease and cavities which can be culprits of bad breath.
- Bad habits such as smoking or chewing tobacco.
- Tobacco not only creates some seriously stinky breath, but it can also damage the health of your mouth and overall body.
- Dry mouth.
- Mouths that don’t have enough saliva aren’t able to wash away food debris and dead cells that build up in the mouth or neutralize acids in plaque. If these dead cells aren’t washed away, they decompose and can cause bad breath. This is a major reason why those who sleep with their mouth open at night may experience bad morning breath.
- Gut issues.
- A virus, ulcer, or other imbalances in your gut can affect your body, all the way up to your mouth.
- Respiratory Issues.
- Respiratory issues such as pneumonia, bronchitis, or lung infection can also lead to bad breath.
Now that we understand what can cause bad breath, it makes it easier to know how to combat it. Here are our top tips for promoting fresh breath:
- Practice good oral hygiene.
- If you want to have fresh breath, a daily oral care routine is essential. Brushing at least twice a day and flossing is imperative to keeping your mouth clean and healthy. Be sure to change your toothbrush out every 3-4 months.
- Scrape your tongue.
- Anaerobic bacteria, which is a type of bacteria that likes to avoid oxygen and live in your mouth’s deepest crevices, thrive on and around tongues. Tongue scraper tools are specially designed to scrape this bacteria off and reduce your risk of bad breath from this bacteria.
- Use a non-alcoholic mouthwash.
- Mouthwash is a great way to wash away bacteria and leave your mouth feeling minty fresh. Just be sure to use one without alcohol as alcohol can dry out your mouth, which we’ve learned can actually lead to bad breath.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Staying hydrated will ensure that not only that food particles are washed away from your teeth, but also that bacteria is swept from the mouth as well.
- Eat a balanced diet.
- Eating a balanced diet filled with crunchy fruits and veggies will help reduce the plaque in your mouth by scraping your teeth as you eat. Greens produce an alkaline environment that neutralizes acids that can wear away enamel. Yogurt is also a great food as it balances your gut and can lead to a healthier mouth. Brush your teeth right after consuming sugary foods, and avoid cigarettes and tobacco.
- Chew gum with xylitol.
- Chewing gum helps with the production of saliva to wash away food debris and bacteria. Xylitol is also antibacterial and actually helps keep cavities at bay and allows you to enjoy a sweet treat without the harmful sugar.
- Keep up your regular dental visits.
- Despite your best efforts, no amount of at-home dental care can truly replace maintaining regular dental visits and cleanings. A dentist can reach the places you may be missing, and they are able to see signs of decay you may not be aware of. A visit every 6 months is ideal.
If you’ve been struggling with halitosis, we hope some of our tips will help you banish your bad breath for good. However, sometimes, the root cause of bad breath can be a more serious issue and should not be ignored. Call our office today at Simply Smiles, and we’d love to help you come up with a plan to combat your halitosis. Our goal is to send you out into the world confident in the health of your smile and the freshness of your breath.
Sources:
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/bad-breath
https://www.lemontfamilydental.com/blog/2019/12/the-secret-to-fresh-breath
https://rockhilldentist.com/11-ways-make-breath-smell-good-time/
https://www1.deltadentalins.com/wellness/healthy-habits/articles/stop-bad-breath.html
https://hancockvillagedental.com/tips-keeping-breath-fresh/
https://www.columbuscosmeticdental.com/blog/11-tips-for-fresh-breath/