What Are the Causes of Bad Breath?
There are many different causes of bad breath. Often, bad breath is the result of the bacteria in your mouth working to break down food particles. These are a few additional reasons why people experience bad breath.
Poor Oral Hygiene
One of the most common causes of bad breath is poor dental hygiene. Brushing your teeth and flossing regularly can help to prevent tooth decay and gum disease while keeping your breath nice and fresh.
Diet
The foods you eat are another common cause of mouth odor. Particles from garlic, onions, and other spice-heavy foods can remain in your mouth, promoting bacterial growth and causing bad breath.
Tobacco
Smoking and other tobacco products can greatly contribute to bad breath. These products also increase your risk of gum disease and other dental issues.
Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions, such as respiratory infections, liver or kidney disease, and gastrointestinal problems, can contribute to bad breath. Temporary illnesses such as sinus infections can cause postnasal drip, which can also cause mouth odor. If you continue to experience bad breath while still practicing good oral hygiene, then contact a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying health issues.
Dental Issues
Issues with your salivary glands, gum disease, cavities, and other dental issues can make your breath smell bad. According to NIH MedlinePlus, 47.2% of adults aged 30 and older have some form of periodontal disease, so make sure to visit the dentist regularly!
How Does Dry Mouth Lead to Bad Breath?
Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a huge contributor to bad breath. Dry mouth happens when your salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva to coat your mouth. Saliva helps to wash away food particles and bacteria, which in turn improves the smell of your breath. When the mouth is dry, there is less saliva to perform this cleansing action, which allows bacteria to thrive (and makes your breath smell worse).
Saliva also helps to neutralize the acids that are produced by the bacteria in your mouth. When you have less saliva, your mouth will become more acidic, creating an environment for odor-producing bacteria to grow. While a dry mouth may not seem like a big deal to many people, it can actually increase your risk of gum disease, according to DentalHealth.org. When saliva production is low, harmful bacteria can more easily attach to your teeth and gums, increasing your risk for periodontal disease.
A few causes of dry mouth include:
- Medications
- Medical conditions
- Dehydration
- Tobacco
- Aging
- Diabetes
- Hormonal changes
- Mouth-breathing
- Anxiety
It is important to get to the root cause of why your mouth may be dry. Some causes can be easily fixed with a few lifestyle changes, while others may require more complex treatment.
What Are Some Tips to Improve Bad Breath?
There are many options for treating your bad breath. Here are just a few.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
The easiest way to improve your bad breath is to maintain proper dental hygiene. Make sure you brush and floss at least twice a day. This will keep plaque and food particles from causing unwanted mouth odor.
Stay Hydrated
Make sure you are drinking plenty of water. This will help you maintain saliva production and keep unhealthy bacteria out of your mouth.
Avoid Certain Foods
Eating healthy foods is a great way to keep your breath smelling great. Your diet greatly impacts your gum and tooth health, so make sure you are eating the correct foods. Crunchy fruits and vegetables, nuts, and leafy greens are all great for your dental health.
Clean Your Tongue
It is not uncommon for bacteria to accumulate on your tongue. Use a tongue scraper to keep your tongue free of food particles and bacteria. According to Cleveland Clinic, a white tongue is the most common sign that there is bacteria on your tongue.
Stop Smoking
In addition to many other health benefits, quitting tobacco products can greatly improve mouth odor.
Limit Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol can dehydrate you and contribute to dry mouth, which can in turn cause bad breath. Limiting alcohol intake is a great way to keep your breath smelling fresh. Caffeinated drinks such as coffee and soda should also be consumed in moderation.
Manage Medical Conditions
If your bad breath is due to an underlying medical condition, then you should work with your healthcare provider to effectively manage and treat your symptoms.
Visit the Dentist Regularly
Regular dental checkups are one of the best ways to ensure that you maintain fresh breath. Your dentist will properly clean your teeth and give you the proper tools and tricks to keep your mouth healthy.
What Are Treatments for Dry Mouth?
The treatment for dry mouth ultimately depends on the underlying cause of the issue. Here are just a few general approaches for dealing with dry mouth.
Drink Water
As mentioned before, drinking water is a great way to make sure your mouth is moisturized. Consider carrying a water bottle with you throughout the day and make it a point to sip water during meals.
Chewing Gum
Chewing gum or sucking on sugar-free candy can help you to produce more saliva, which can help to wash away bacteria and make your breath smell fresh.
Buy a Humidifier
If you find yourself waking up with a dry mouth, then it could be due to the air in your bedroom. Using a humidifier will add moisture to the air and can prevent your mouth from drying out.
Use The Right Dental Products
Use dental products that will not dry out your mouth. Fluoride toothpaste and alcohol-free mouthwash are both great products to consider purchasing.
Consider Saliva Substitutes
Artificial saliva products can help to moisten your mouth. These products are designed to mimic the properties of natural saliva and come in many different forms, such as sprays, gum, and lozenges.
Stay Away From Irritants
Avoid substances that contribute to dry mouth. These substances include alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco.
Medication
Sometimes, your doctor may recommend prescription medications to stimulate saliva production. A few popular medications include pilocarpine and cevimeline. On the other hand, if your dry mouth is a side effect of medication, then you may want to talk with your doctor about adjusting your dosage or switching to a new medicine.
Treat Underlying Medical Conditions
If your dry mouth is a result of an underlying medical condition, then address and manage the condition with the help of a doctor.
Dental Care
You should already be visiting the dentist every six months or so, but you may want to schedule additional appointments if you have poor oral hygiene. Your dentist will advise you on how often you should schedule an appointment.
What Types of Food Affect Bad Breath?
As mentioned before, the foods you eat can directly affect how your breath smells. Strong-smelling foods such as garlic and onions are notorious for causing bad breath. The sulfur compounds that these foods release during digestion can linger in the mouth and lungs, causing mouth odor. Dairy products are also known for causing bad breath, particularly in individuals who are lactose intolerant. Lactose intolerance can lead to the production of the same sulfur compounds and make your breath smell bad.
Sugar is another ingredient that can contribute to mouth odor. Bacteria in the mouth thrive on sugar, so it is important to limit sugary foods or clean your mouth directly after eating them. Additionally, any foods that are sticky, such as dried fruit or candy, can cling to your teeth and provide a breeding ground for bacteria. Make sure your teeth are free of food particles after eating sticky foods.
Other foods that cause bad breath include:
- Spicy foods such as curry and peppers
- High-protein foods
- Acidic foods like fruits and tomatoes
- Coffee and alcohol
Everyone’s body reacts differently to food, and the impact on your breath can vary. It is important to recognize which foods may contribute to your bad breath so you can either avoid them or limit them.
Is Halitosis Common?
Halitosis is much more common than you may think. According to The Cleveland Clinic, chronic halitosis affects about 31.8% of the population. Temporary halitosis is even more common. Although halitosis is common and normal, it is important to address any issues you may be having with your breath. Chronic bad breath can lead to more serious dental issues, so it is essential to take care of the problem as soon as you can.
Get in Touch With a Nice Smile Today
If you are suffering from bad breath, then let the experts at A Nice Smile help you. Our family-owned dental practice will provide you with the most advanced procedures and breakthrough techniques to ensure that your dental health is completely taken care of. We know that optimal dental health is of the utmost importance, and we are here to help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. Feel free to contact us today to discuss your dental needs and schedule an appointment.
