What are the Common Causes and Treatments for Bad Breath (Halitosis)?

Halitosis – or bad breath- can be an embarrassing condition that often causes anxiety and affects your relationships with those around you. It’s no small wonder that there is an abundance of breath mints, gum and fresheners to combat bad breath.

Unfortunately, all those fixes are temporary if you don’t address the root cause. So today, we’ll delve into the causes of bad breath and how to get rid of it.

What causes bad breath?

Some of the causes of bad breath include:

Food. Eating certain foods such as spices, onions, and garlic can lead to bad breath.
Poor dental hygiene. Food particles stay on your teeth if you neglect to brush and floss your teeth daily. When the food starts decomposing, a sticky film called plaque builds up, affecting your breath and promoting odour. Your tongue will also hold bacteria and decomposing food particles that can cause bad breath.
Smoking. The smell of tobacco leads to an unpleasant mouth odour.
Infections. Yeast infections, gum disease, mouth sores, and other oral diseases can create openings that harbour bacteria.
Dry mouth. The saliva in your mouth helps keep your mouth clean and free of the bacteria that cause bad breath. This is usually the leading cause of morning breath as the mouth naturally dries when you sleep. If your salivary glands have a problem, it could lead to chronic dry mouth and persistent bad breath. Some medications also exacerbate dry mouth.

Home remedies for bad breath

To combat foul breath, take extra care of your teeth. Brush your teeth twice a day or more.

Every time you brush your teeth, brush your tongue as well. Make sure to get rid of all the food particles stuck on your teeth. You should also remember to floss so you can reach the bits of food that cling to the spaces in between your teeth.

When you’re done flossing, use mouthwash to clean out any excess food bits and bacteria. Also, change your toothbrush every three months. Remember to maintain a healthy diet with lots of fruits, vegetables and drink plenty of water.

If the bad breath is caused by eating specific foods like garlic or onion, swish some water with a few drops of apple cider vinegar around your mouth to clear the foul smell. Alternatively, you can use salty water to rinse your mouth.

Try chewing a crunchy fruit or vegetable to relieve a dry mouth like carrot, apple, or celery. These vegetables can help remove food particles from your teeth. They will also stimulate saliva production reducing dry mouth, therefore, dealing with your bad breath.

When to see the dentist

Sometimes, no matter what you do, your bad breath may persist. This means it’s time to see the dentist. Bad breath may be the result of underlying illnesses such as diabetes and can also signify oral infections that need medical attention.

When you visit the dentist, they will treat the underlying cause or refer you to the periodontist for specialist care.

If you are concerned about your breath, contact the friendly Maroubra dentist team or dentist Parramatta at Dental Avenue. Don’t hesitate; a simple change may transform your confidence and way of life.

Parramatta Clinic

Maroubra Clinic

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