How to deal with bad breath

October 5, 2023

Dealing with bad breath, also known as halitosis can be tough as bad breath causes embarrassment. No one wants bad breath, fresh breath is always the goal! There are quite a few habits that cause halitosis and that’s something we can help with. We’re going to be covering bad breath causes and treatments in this short blog so you don’t have to suffer anymore.

What causes bad breath?
Firstly, you’re not alone if you’re wondering what causes bad breath, it’s a question many people have. There are a few things that can cause bad breath, some of which can be a quick fix but some are a little more tricky, here’s what causes bad breath:

Infrequent brushing and flossing
This is a very simple fix by brushing and flossing twice a day, as this helps to reduce the plaque and bacteria build up.

Smoking
Smoking has a multitude of health implications and this extends to oral health too. Smoking essentially leaves traces of chemicals which can mix with saliva and cause bad breath.

Gum issues
Gum issues like gum disease can cause bad breath from a buildup of bacteria below the gum line. Issues such as gum or tooth infections can also cause bad breath for the same reasons!

Foods
Of course pungent foods such as onions will linger on your breath, so watch the foods you eat, and be sure to drink lots of water.

Dry Mouth
Having a dry mouth can cause bad breath because saliva helps to cleanse your mouth by removing loose particles. When you have a dry mouth it is a better environment for bacteria to flourish, which won’t give you fresh breath.

How to get rid of bad breath

Getting rid of halitosis is possible, while some causes for bad breath can take a little longer to deal with, you can overcome it! There are plenty of options for bad breath treatment, depending on what the cause of this is. You should always speak to your dentist about halitosis and how your personal case should be managed, but here are some ideas to try!

Drink more water
Keeping your mouth hydrated allows your mouth to remain cleaner and therefore can prevent bad breath! This is especially important after eating.

Keep up your brushing and flossing habits
Brushing and flossing daily is an important part of oral health, but it can also be a key player in having fresh breath.

Brush your tongue
The tongue can get left out when it comes to daily brushing, and it can be a huge store of bacteria, when you brush ensure you brush your tongue or use a tongue scraper.

Visit your dentist for check ups and hygiene appointments
Simply visiting the dentist can help to ensure you have fresh breath. It’s also advised

Try an antibacterial mouthwash
If your halitosis is caused by a buildup of bacteria, which in many occasions is the case, your dentist may advise you to try an antibacterial mouthwash to help reduce the buildup.

Should bad breath concern you?
Having bad breath from factors that aren’t the foods you’re consuming can have some indication of poor oral health. For this reason, you should not suffer alone with halitosis, especially if you experience halitosis as well as swelling, pain or bleeding of the gums. Don’t be alarmed though, if you seek treatment your dentist will be able to support you.

We hope this has helped you understand more about halitosis and what you can do to prevent or stop this happening. Remember, when it comes to halitosis many of the causes are poor hygiene, so taking a look at your oral hygiene routine and improving it is a great place to start.