As the saying goes, a true friend will tell you whether you have bad breath. Also, bad breath may practically and metaphorically stink up a social situation. Foul breath, commonly known as halitosis, is frequently caused by inadequate oral hygiene. The main reason for bad breath could be unhealthy lifestyle behavior or underlying health conditions. Continue reading to know more about bad breath and what you can do about it.
Is bad breath a common phenomenon?
It is difficult to avoid bad breath sometimes, caused by the regular breakdown of meals for digestion causes moderate and occasional bad breath. Because bacteria accumulate in the mouth overnight while you sleep, most people don’t wake up with minty fresh breath. Maintain good oral hygiene, consume plenty of water, and chew sugar-free gum containing xylitol to prevent typical episodes of bad breath.
What is the reason for bad breath?
1) Oral Hygiene.
The most prevalent reason for bad breath is poor dental hygiene. Failure to remove food particles and bacterial dental plaque from the surface of the teeth and tongue often results in bad breath. Oral bacteria can cause gum disease, cavities, and other oral problems, in addition to foul odors.
2) Food habits and digestive problems.
Our oral health, as well as how our breath smells, are significantly influenced by the food habits which we follow. Some foods, such as onions, garlic, spices, and some vegetables, can leave a distinct aftertaste in your mouth. Furthermore, digestive difficulties such as bowel disorders and acid reflux can be the reason for bad breath.
3) Dry Mouth.
Dehydration, various drugs, smoking, and specific medical disorders are all potential causes of dry mouth. Naturally, saliva aids in washing away odor-causing food particles and germs that cause foul breath. Therefore, having poor breath may result from insufficient saliva flow.
4) Alcohol, tobacco.
Alcohol consumption can reduce salivation resulting in a dry mouth and poor breath. Additionally, using tobacco products can result in poor breath and several other health problems, such as lung cancer and gum disease.
5) Mouth, nose, and throat conditions.
Sometimes, tiny bacteria-covered stones may develop on the tonsils at the back of the throat, giving off an odor. Infections or inflammation in the nose, throat, or sinuses can also contribute to bad breath.
6) Diseases.
Diabetes, different malignancies, and renal and liver failure are all chronic health issues that can cause bad breath.
7) Crash diets.
Crash diets, such as fasting or eating a low carbohydrate diet, can induce foul breath due to the body’s creation of strong-smelling ketones.
How to get rid of bad breaths?
1) Avoid meals that make your breath smell awful.
Don’t eat foods with a strong smell, such as onions and garlic, because they enter your bloodstream and are hard to eliminate with your toothbrush.
2) Brush and floss your teeth thoroughly regularly.
It’s important to floss at least once daily and brushes your teeth twice daily for two minutes each. It makes it possible to get rid of foods and bacteria that cause bad breath and can help to avoid numerous oral health problems.
3) Rinse your mouth frequently.
Mouthwash is an excellent way to supplement your oral hygiene regimen and combat bad breath. Try to choose mouthwash with the ADA Seal of Approval, which means it contains fluoride and is antibacterial. After eating, rinse your mouth with water to help wash away food particles and keep your mouth moist.
4) Scrape your tongue.
Bacterial dental plaque, like plaque on your teeth, can adhere to the grooves of your tongue and cause a bad smell. Brushing your tongue with a toothbrush or using a tongue scraper is essential for removing bacteria and food particles from the mouth.
5) Maintain a moist mouth.
Make sure you drink enough water to keep yourself hydrated throughout the day. It is also possible to stimulate saliva production by chewing sugar-free gum. A few lifestyle changes can help prevent dry mouths, such as avoiding alcohol, soda, and tobacco.
6) Stay away from sugary foods.
Sugary foods can promote the growth of oral germs, resulting in not just poor breath but also dental cavities and gum disease. Make an effort to eat a well-balanced and nutritious diet.
7) Maintain the health of your gums.
Many issues, such as bad breath, can be resolved by maintaining healthy gums. When brushing, it is critical to eliminate food and smelly germs from beneath the gum line. Flossing is also vital for keeping the gums clean and healthy.
8) Avoid drinking and smoking.
Avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol can help reduce your chances of cancer, gum disease, poor breath, and other health issues. This factor could be the reason for bad breath.
Our Oakville Family Dentist, Dentistry on Dunn is willing to assist you if you have persistent bad breath or any other dental problem. Our compassionate staff will perform an accurate diagnosis and provide the best all-encompassing treatment strategy to meet your dental needs. Quality time with your dentist, like all good friendships, is critical to your oral health success.