What causes bad breath, and what can be done about it?
Bad breath (medically called halitosis) can result from poor dental habits and may be a sign of other health problems. It can be made worse by the types of foods you eat and other unhealthy lifestyle habits. As food is digested and absorbed into the bloodstream, it is eventually carried to your lungs, and released in your breath. When you eat foods with strong odors (such as garlic and onions), brushing and flossing only covers up the odor temporarily. The odor will not go away completely until the foods have passed through your body. If you don’t brush and floss your teeth daily, food particles remain in your mouth, promoting bacterial growth between teeth, around the gums, and on the tongue. This causes bad breath. Smoking or chewing tobacco products also cause bad breath, stain teeth, reduce your ability to taste foods, and irritate your gums. Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth may be the warning signs of gum (periodontal) disease. Periodontal disease is caused by the buildup of plaque on teeth, and the bacteria cause toxins to form in the mouth, which irritates the gums.
Below are nine tips to help you avoid being self-conscious or embarrassed by bad breath:
- Brush and floss more frequently. All of us should brush at least twice a day. If you are concerned about your breath, brush and floss more often.
- Scrape your tongue. The coating that is found on the tongue can host foul-smelling bacteria. When you brush your teeth, brush your tongue as well. You can also use a tongue scraper to really get the tongue clean.
- Avoid foods that sour your breath. Remember, brushing won’t help! The only way to avoid the problem is to avoid eating them.
- Kick the habit. Smoking damages the gum tissue and stains teeth, not to mention increasing your chances of getting oral and other types of cancer.
- Rinse your mouth out. After eating, rinse your mouth with plain water, which helps your breath by eliminating food particles. An anti-bacterial mouthwash also adds extra protection by reducing plaque-causing bacteria. Make sure to use a mouthrinse that is alcohol-free! Alcohol in mouthrinse is drying to the gum tissues, which can lead to cavities and more bad breath.
- Skip the after dinner mints. Sugary candies promote the growth of bacteria. Instead, chew gum (sugarless of course) which stimulates saliva, promoting the mouth’s natural defenses against plaque acids.
- Keep your gums healthy. Bacteria gathers in pockets at the base of the teeth, creating bad odors. If you have gum (periodontal) disease, your dentist may recommend a periodontist who specializes in treating this condition.
- Moisten your mouth. Lack of saliva promotes tooth decay and can cause bad breath. Drink plenty of water and chew sugarless gum.
- See your dentist! Remember, if your bad breath continues despite your best efforts, it could be related to a medical condition that requires treatment.
A bonus tip: We have three amazing doctors and three wonderful hygienists all here to help you to maintain your oral health, and keep your breath fresh! For a healthier smile and fresher breath, please call us today to schedule, (775) 400-2533.