Halitosis or bad breath can be an embarrassing problem that affects your confidence, especially when you’re talking to others. But there’s nothing to be worried about! Many people experience this, and there are simple ways to prevent it. With the right habits and a little care, you can avoid bad breath and feel more confident in your daily life. In this blog, our dentists will share the causes and easy tips to help you keep your breath fresh and healthy.
What Are the Common Causes of Bad Breath?
Bad breath can be the result of many different factors, knowing which helps you prevent them and treat the issue at its root. Remember, your bad breath may result from more than one of these factors. So, read the causes we explained below carefully to find out where your issue may come from.
Poor Oral Hygiene
If you don’t brush and floss your teeth daily, it’s time to change your routine! Poor oral hygiene can cause food particles to stay in your mouth when the bits of food break down and produce a bad smell. Bacteria also grow on leftover food and plaque, which can cause mouth odor. So, make sure to brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily to keep your mouth clean.
Strong-Smelling Foods
Foods like garlic, onions, and certain spices can lead to smelly breath. These foods have strong smells that stay in your mouth even after brushing. When they are digested, the odors also enter your bloodstream and can be released through your breath.
Digestive Problems
Issues like acid reflux, stomach ulcers, and slow digestion can cause odors from the stomach to rise up into the mouth. For example, acid reflux allows stomach acids and undigested food to come back up the esophagus, which can create a foul smell. If bad breath continues even with good oral hygiene, it may be worth checking with a doctor to see if digestive issues are involved.
Dry Mouth
Saliva helps clean your mouth by washing away food and bacteria. If your mouth is dry, this doesn’t happen as often. A dry mouth can be caused by not drinking enough water, certain medications, or sleeping with your mouth open. This leads to bad breath because your mouth isn’t able to clean itself properly.
Smoking and Tobacco Use
Smoking and using tobacco products can leave a strong, unpleasant odor in your mouth. Tobacco also dries out your mouth, and the chemicals in cigarettes can cause gum disease, which adds to bad breath.
Gum Disease
Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is a serious infection. When your gums become infected, bacteria build up in pockets between your teeth and gums, releasing bad-smelling gases. Taking a periodontal exam and treating gum disease is important not only for fresh breath but for your overall health.
When to Seek Professional Help for Bad Breath?
Sometimes, your bad breath can be temporary and can be fixed with simple steps like brushing, flossing, and drinking more water. However, there are times when you should see a dentist or doctor for help. To help you realize when to visit a dentist for your bad breath, we have compiled a list of signs you should keep an eye on. So, if you:
- Can’t treat your bad breath as it doesn’t go away after improving your oral care or changing your diet,
- Often have a bad taste in your mouth, even after brushing,
- Notice pain, swelling, or bleeding in your gums along with bad breath (signs of gum disease),
- Feel dryness all the time, even after drinking water,
It’s better to visit your dentist for a thorough oral examination and treat the dental problems that cause your bad breath.
Contact Us for Professional Advice on Getting Rid of Your Bad Breath
Our team of dentists at Pape Dental Centre knows the ins and outs of bad breath, its causes and most importantly, how to treat it. Please get in touch with us now to get professional advice.
Call Us at (416) 465-3111
How to Avoid Bad Breath with Simple Daily Habits?
Now that you’re familiar with the common causes of bad breath, it’s time to learn about the daily habits that help you prevent bad breath.
1. Brush and Floss Regularly
Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day helps remove food particles and plaque that can cause bad breath. Be sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth, your tongue, and the roof of your mouth. Flossing is also important because it cleans the space between your teeth, where a toothbrush can’t reach.
2. Clean Your Tongue
Your tongue can hold bacteria and food particles, which can cause bad breath. Use a tongue scraper or brush your tongue gently every day to remove any buildup.
Additional Tip: If you don’t have a tongue scraper, you can use the back of your toothbrush to clean your tongue. Just remember to apply light pressure to avoid irritating your tongue.
3. Drink Plenty of Water
Drink enough water during the day to keep your mouth moist and washes away bacteria and food particles that can cause bad breath. It also helps prevent dry mouth, which can make bad breath worse. You can carry a water bottle with you during the day to remind yourself to drink water regularly.
4. Chew Sugar-Free Gum
Chewing sugar-free gum helps stimulate saliva production, which keeps your mouth clean. Just make sure the gum is sugar-free, as sugar can lead to more bacteria in your mouth.
What Type of Gum Should I Look for?
Gums that contain xylitol, a natural sweetener, are suitable for this purpose.
5. Try Quitting Smoking
As explained earlier, smoking and using tobacco products not only cause bad breath but also dry out your mouth and increase your risk of gum disease. Therefore, quitting smoking can greatly improve your breath and your overall health.
Additional Tip: If quitting is difficult, you can always get help from a doctor or support group to make the process easier.
6. Visit Your Dentist Regularly
See your dentist for regular check-ups and professional dental cleanings. Your dentist can spot problems early, like tooth decay or gum disease, that could be causing bad breath. It’s better to plan to visit your dentist at least twice a year.
Final Word
Preventing bad breath is all about keeping your mouth clean and making healthy choices. We discussed effective tips and solutions to avoid bad breath in this blog, which helps you keep your breath fresh. However, if your bad breath doesn’t go away, it’s always a good idea to see a dentist for help.
At Pape Dental Centre, we’re here to help you with all your dental needs. No matter if you’re dealing with bad breath or just need a check-up, our team of friendly professionals is ready to assist you. Visit us for a thorough cleaning and expert advice to keep your mouth healthy and your breath fresh. So, why not book your appointment today for a brighter smile?
FAQs
Can bad breath be a sign of a more serious health issue?
Yes, conditions such as gum disease, sinus infections, or digestive problems like acid reflux can cause persistent bad breath. If you notice that your bad breath doesn’t go away with good oral hygiene, you should see a dentist or doctor for a check-up.
How to stop bad breath in the morning?
You can brush and floss your teeth before bed to remove food particles and plaque that can cause odors overnight. Staying hydrated by drinking water can also help prevent dry mouth. Also, if you tend to sleep with your mouth open, it helps to use a humidifier to keep your mouth moist during the night.
How to fix bad breath from the stomach?
To address bad breath from the stomach, it’s beneficial to eat smaller, more frequent meals, as this can improve digestion and reduce stomach odors. Avoiding trigger foods, such as spicy or fatty items, can also help minimize gas and acid reflux.
