Bad breath (also know as Halitosis or malodor) can be due to many
factors.
Bad breath when one wakes up, also known as “morning breath,” is
easily cured by flossing and brushing your teeth and tongue. So
what’s the issue when you have finished your morning oral hygiene routine and
still notice a lingering stench? One reason may be diet. Foods with lots
of garlic and/or onion as well as heavily spiced or excessively spicy foods can
contribute to a less than pleasant breath. This however is temporary and
may only last for a day.
Bad breath can also sometimes be caused by certain medications as
a reaction or side effect generated inside the body/mouth. Look into
seeing your doctor to rule out any internal medical conditions as they may also
be causing chronic bad breath. These may be: diabetes, liver disease,
respiratory tract infections, chronic bronchitis, acid reflux and postnasal
drip.
People who suffer from chronic dry mouth (aka Xerostomia) are also
often plagued by bad breath as bacteria builds in the mouth a lot faster due to
lack of saliva produced.
Most often bad breath is caused by a buildup of bacteria in
the mouth that causes inflammation and gives off noxious odors or gases that
smell like sulfur! Studies show that 80% of bad breath stems from oral sources
(i.e.: cavities, gum disease, dentures that’s aren’t cleaned properly, cracked
fillings and even food particles that get trapped in your tonsils.) Most
of these can be easily taken care of by your dentist and her team.
Fortunately individuals who suffer from having bad breath aren’t
left without options and solutions to their chronic problem. So if you have bad
breath – don’t lose faith you can change it from bad to good. Here’s how:
First and foremost pay closer attention to your oral hygiene. This
means going to visit your dentist and hygienist regularly for cleanings (at the
very minimum every 6 months). The tools and instruments that they use are
specially designed to give you the best cleaning possible. They work to get to
the surfaces that we can see and those hard to reach areas between the teeth
and below the gum line. Being better with your oral hygiene routine shouldn’t
just start and stop at your dental office. Ideally you should brush and floss
after each meal to help reduce the odor causing bacteria in the mouth and don’t
forget to brush your tongue as it too accumulates a lot of odor-causing
bacteria! It is also a good idea to get in the habit of using a mouthwash.
Investing in a travel size bottle of mouthwash is convenient to use even in
between brushing or when you are out.
If you suffer from bad breath, be more mindful of what you eat. A
well balanced diet and regular meals helps keep bad breath at bay. Avoid foods
that have a lot of garlic or onions in them. Remember what we eat gets absorbed
in our bloodstream and ends up coming out when we exhale through our lungs. Try
eating lots of fruit and veggies – especially the watery veggies as it helps to
cleanse the mouth from debris.
Quit smoking and/or using tobacco products. Smoking can lead to
gum disease, which can help encourage bad breath.
Stay hydrated. Staying hydrated helps prevent dry mouth and
drinking plenty of water helps to flush out any debris or food particles that
help cause foul odours in the mouth.
Cut back on your coffee and alcohol intake. Alcohol dehydrates you
and can cause dry mouth and can lead to bad breath just hours after you’ve
finished drinking.
If your bad breath is a result of specific medications you are
taking then carry breath mints to help fight bad breath as a quick fix. Also,
if you suffer from dry mouth chewing sugarless gum will not only
leave you with a pleasant scent to your breath but it can help encourage saliva
production which helps eliminate bad breath too.
