Bad breath, or halitosis, is an unpleasant smell that people might experience sometimes. It can be quite embarrassing when we interact with people. However, knowing the causes of bad breath and symptoms will help you to identify them earlier and take preventive measures to solve them.
Understanding Bad Breath
Bad breath is an unpleasant odour from the mouth. Anyone, young or old, can experience it at any moment, and the odour may be strong, mild, or moderate. Sometimes it will go away after you brush your teeth or use a breath freshener, but sometimes not. Halitosis is a condition that occurs when unpleasant breath persists for a long time.
Causes of Bad Breath
There are several
reasons behind bad breath. Common causes are:
- Poor oral hygiene: Bad breath might result from irregular tooth cleaning and flossing. An unpleasant odour happens when food particles get stuck between your teeth and are broken down by germs. Bacterial plaque, a sticky film, can also accumulate and result in smelly breath.
- Food and drink: Some food or drink items can result in bad breath. Garlic, onions, and spicy dishes contribute to strong odours that remain in the mouth even after brushing. Additionally, coffee and alcohol may dry the mouth, leading to the persistence of a breath issue.
- Dry mouth: Xerostomia or dry mouth can lead to bad breath. It is the condition in which the mouth becomes extremely dry. The body does not produce an adequate amount of saliva to perform the cleaning of the mouth. The function of saliva is vital because it keeps your mouth clean. Without enough saliva, bacteria may grow, leading to bad breath.
- Tobacco products: Smoking or consuming tobacco products is likely to cause bad breath. It leaves quite some odour in the mouth, which barely neutralizes. In addition, it results in gum disease and dry mouth, which contribute to bad breath.
- Gum disease: This is an infection of the gums that can result in bad breath. Bacterial buildup under the gums causes a bad smell. This is a major cause of bad breath that needs dental treatment.
- Medications: Some medications cause dryness in the mouth, which can lead to bad breath. If you think your medication is causing bad breath, discuss it with your dentist.
- Infections: Infections in your mouth, such as cavities, gum disease, or throat infections, cause bad breath. These infections often produce a strong odour and need to be treated by a dentist immediately.
- Medical conditions: Bad breath is a sign that there may be an underlying problem with one’s health. Among the causes are sinus infection, acid reflux, diabetes, renal disease, and more. If you have bad breath most of the time and you do not know the reason, then consult a dentist near you to solve the issue.
Common Symptoms of Bad Breath
There are various reasons why someone may have bad breath, and some are simple to treat. Some of these symptoms include:
- Unpleasant odour: This is a common sign of bad breath. The odour may be present during talking, breathing, and even when the mouth is closed. It is usually stronger in the morning and after having meals.
- Dry mouth: Having a dry mouth all the time is an indication of bad breath. Saliva helps to clean the food particles and bacteria from the mouth. If there is not much saliva, plaque might build up and cause a bad smell.
- Sour or bitter taste: Bad breath can cause some people to experience an odd taste in their mouth. Generally, experience a sour or bitter taste due to bad breath. This may indicate that there is a problem that requires treatment.
- White coating on the tongue: Sometimes, bad breath may be caused by bacteria that reside on the tongue. Therefore, in case you notice a white or off-yellow coating on the tongue, it may indicate bacteria that cause bad breath.
How to Prevent and Treat Bad Breath?
There are several ways to prevent and treat bad breath. Here are a few tips that could help to keep your breath fresh:
- Brush and floss regularly: Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss them once daily. These oral habits help to prevent food particles and plaque buildup in the mouth, which can cause bad breath.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water, as this helps to prevent dry mouth and removes food particles and bacteria. A professional recommends drinking 3.5 litres (15.5 glasses) of water a day.
- Watch out for specific foods and drinks: Note that if some foods and drinks, such as garlic, onions, coffee, and alcohol, are included in your diet, you should wash your teeth once finished consumption.
- Quit smoking: Your health and breathing will benefit from quitting smoking. Consult your dentist to quit smoking, as they can recommend the right method for it.
- Regular dental visits: A dentist’s ongoing monitoring of dental health can help detect and prevent dental issues earlier. If your dentist detects bad breath, they will provide you with the right medical treatment for halitosis to help resolve the issue. Furthermore, they might recommend ways to keep your breath fresh.
- Use mouthwash: Use an alcohol-free mouthwash that does not dry your mouth. Mouthwash has antibacterial properties and helps to freshen your breath.
- Have a balanced diet: A balanced diet will help keep your mouth healthy and breath fresh. Consume fruits and veggies like apples, carrots, spinach, and more, as they help clean your teeth.
- Chew sugar-free gum: Gum without sugar increases saliva production, which helps prevent dry mouth and bad breath in its early stages. Look for gum containing xylitol, which is a natural sweetener and bacteria-fighting agent.
When to Visit Your Dentist?
If you have tried these tips and still suffer from bad breath, you should consider visiting your dentist. Persistent bad breath may indicate a more serious condition, such as gum disease or infection, and more. Your dentist can detect the cause and recommend the right treatment to combat the bad breath.
Good Oral Care is the First Step Towards Fresh Breath.
Symmetry Dental has an experienced team of
dentists in Cranbrook who offer a wide range of dental services that can solve your issue. At our clinic, we use the latest technology and equipment to offer quality dental care. Our team tries to provide you with a comfortable and relaxed environment so that you have a positive dental experience.
Contact us today for an effective and convenient dental solution!
