What Causes Bad Breath?
There’s nothing more annoying than a bad case of bad breath. It can ruin intimate moments, break your concentration, and be the source of major embarrassment, for yourself and for others.
Bad breath — or halitosis — is a common problem among the population, and there’s no shame in that. The reasons why some of us suffer from it are plentiful and can be as straightforward as poor dental hygiene, to as complicated as an underlying medical condition.
In this blog, we will first look at some common causes of bad breath, and next, address what you can do to manage it and even avoid it altogether.
The culprits of bad breath
Besides eating pungent ingredients like garlic, onions, meat and coffee, the most common cause of bad breath is from bacteria build-up inside the mouth, on the tongue, gums and teeth.
These foul-smelling bacteria can be caused by:
Poor dental hygiene, gingivitis or periodontal disease
Smoking, tobacco or alcohol
Dry mouth, a condition where not enough saliva is produced to keep the mouth moist (which is also a reason why morning breath can be particularly bad since saliva production decreases through the night)
Tonsillitis, or respiratory infections like sinusitis or bronchitis
Underlying medical conditions such as gastrointestinal reflux disorder (GERD), diabetes, kidney disease, etc.
How to treat bad breath
The good news is because bad breath is typically caused by bacteria build-up inside your mouth, there are many treatment options available. With just a few minor adjustments in your daily oral health routine, you can enjoy a cleaner mouth, healthier teeth and gums — and of course fresher breath!
To avoid bad breath, be sure to:
Brush and floss your teeth and gums after each meal (remember to scrape your tongue)
Rinse daily with an antimicrobial mouthwash
Stay hydrated to keep your mouth moist (and to wash away food particles between your teeth)
Avoid smoking, tobacco and alcohol
Schedule regular dental cleanings every six months
Regularly clean dentures, retainers, and mouth guards
Replace your toothbrush every three months
When to talk with your doctor
If you’re noticing persistent bad breath despite following the dental hygiene tips above, be sure to ask your doctor about it. It’s possible your bad breath is being caused by something more serious, and the sooner you speak with a health care professional, the better.
Fresh breath means a more confident you!
Chances are, you just need to make a few minor adjustments to rid yourself of that annoying halitosis. The best part is, fresher breath will not only bolster your oral health, but it will boost your confidence, too.
Book a Complete Dental Exam with Peak Dental today!