Causes & Treatments of Bad Breath
Bad breath happens - you’re not alone. We’ve all been sitting in the middle of a job interview or a first date and realizing that our breath is FAR from minty fresh. Even when everything else is going perfectly, bad breath can be enough to ruin your confidence and turn a good experience sour. According to the ADA, studies show that 50 percent of adults have had bad breath, or halitosis, at some point in their lives.
So why do we get bad breath, and what can we do to stop it? Keep reading to find out!
WHAT ARE CAUSES OF BAD BREATH?
While experiencing bad breath may seem harmless, there could be underlying factors that amount to much more than a sour smell (examples can include gum disease like gingivitis and periodontitis, and poor oral hygiene).
BACTERIA
Yes, we all have natural bacteria that live in our mouths everyday. However, our mouths also act like a natural hothouse that allows these bacteria to grow when healthy routines are not put in place. In order to effectively fight bad breath, it’s important to figure out what’s causing it. The simplest and most common cause is leftover food particles stuck between our teeth after a meal. The bacteria in our mouths break down these particles, which forms a distinctive and poor odor.
DRY MOUTH
If you are feeling parched, you may not be producing enough saliva which means bacteria particles are left behind.Saliva is vital in minimizing bad breath because it is the mouth’s primary defense against tooth decay and works nonstop to ensure your gum tissues are clean and healthy. If you don’t have enough Saliva, your mouth isn’t being cleaned as much as it should be. According to the ADA, dry mouth, also called xerostomia, can be caused by certain medications, salivary gland problems or by simply breathing through your mouth.
SOLUTIONS TO HAVING A FRESH BREATH:
Daily Oral Health Routine
Brushing up on your oral habits and creating a routine that involves daily flossing, brushing twice a day, scraping your tongues clean, utilizing mouthwash, and choosing to chew sugar free gum are tips to reduce bad breath.
While brushing and flossing are vital to incorporate into your oral hygiene routine, it’s important to NOT neglect cleaning your tongue. Bacteria can easily get trapped on the surface of your tongue, which can cause bad breath to linger.
If you wear removable dentures, we encourage cleaning at the end of the day in preparation for the next day.
Choosing to chew sugar free gum or sucking on sugar free candies
Promote Saliva Flow
Fresh foods = Fresh breath. We encourage individuals to seek healthy, raw, and crunchy foods such as vegetables and fresh fruit (apples, celery, carrots, pineapple, or walnuts). Our team recommends staying away from breath-offending foods such as coffee, onions, and garlic that tend to linger after consumption.
Increasing water intake
Our team also recommends increasing water intake. Water is a powerful resource that helps retain the moisture in your mouth, while keeping but also your salivary glands engaged (cleanses your mouth from bacteria or food particles that may have been stuck).
Cutting Tobacco Use
Our team encourages individuals to stray away from consuming tobacco products. Tobacco tends to affect the moisture in the mouth, leaving it dry and lingering with a stale, unpleasant odor. Not only will cutting this habit improve your breath, but your overall health and well being.
Regular Dental Check Ups
If you are experiencing a persistent condition of bad breath, our team of professionals can help advise or find the source at your one of your regular check ups throughout the year.
If you’re concerned about what’s causing your bad breath, make an appointment to see one of our dentists. Preventive checkups allow dentists to discover the underlying cause of bad breath and can help you get the answers you need to fight bad breath the best way.
Our practice, Bel Drive Dental, is located in the strip mall at the corner of 120th & Arbor, in Omaha, NE and is here to help you maintain optimum oral care for years to come!
As a trusted local dental clinic in Omaha, NE, Bel Drive Dental strives to make your dental experience as simple and painless as possible. You can be seen at our clinic by calling, texting us, booking online, or simply walking right in! Our goal is to provide you with an exceptional dental experience from start to finish.