Bad breath, or halitosis, can be an unfortunate side effect of poor oral hygiene habits.
Causes of Bad Breath
Have you ever experienced the embarrassment of bad breath lingering despite your best efforts? It’s a common concern that can have various underlying causes. One major culprit is poor oral hygiene – when food particles linger in your mouth, bacteria thrive and produce foul-smelling compounds.
Certain foods like garlic and onions can also contribute to unpleasant breath odors as they release sulfur compounds during digestion. Dry mouth, often caused by medications or salivary gland issues, can lead to bad breath as saliva helps cleanse the mouth.
Another potential cause is gum disease, where bacteria accumulate in pockets between teeth and gums, releasing volatile sulfur compounds. Additionally, smoking and tobacco use not only stain teeth but also dry out the mouth and increase bacterial growth.
In some cases, medical conditions like respiratory infections or acid reflux may manifest as chronic bad breath due to their impact on the digestive system. Identifying and addressing these root causes are essential steps toward achieving lasting fresh breath.
Tips to Eliminate Bad Breath
Here are a few tips to eliminate it.
Brush your teeth twice daily
This may seem like an obvious tip for getting rid of bad breath, but many people brush their teeth less than they should. Your teeth should be brushed a minimum of twice a day and after every meal when possible to remove the food particles that can cause bacteria to form in the mouth. Not brushing enough can increase your chances of developing tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.
Floss at least once a day
Dental floss is specially designed for cleaning between teeth. It removes plaque and food particles from between the teeth and along the gum line. In addition, it disrupts the plaque biofilm that is responsible for causing gum disease and tooth decay. If you don’t use dental floss daily, you are likely leaving food particles in your mouth that can cause bad breath.
In addition to brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day for two minutes each time, you should also floss at least once per day.
Brush your tongue
The back of your tongue can hold bacteria that then release sulfur compounds that cause bad breath. Gently brush the back of your tongue with your toothbrush or a scraper after brushing and flossing your front teeth. Rinsing your mouth with water can also help to wash away remaining food particles and bacteria.
Clean dentures or dental appliances
Clean your dentures and dental appliances regularly. Dental cleanings help remove plaque and tartar from your denture to prevent bad breath. Our dentist in Phoenix, AZ, can recommend the best cleaning process for your oral appliance and recommend when to schedule your next appointment.
Prevent dry mouth
Saliva is a natural cleanser that rinses away food particles and neutralizes acids produced by plaque bacteria that lead to bad breath. Some medications can reduce the production of saliva, causing dry mouth. A dry mouth is also associated with breathing through the mouth instead of the nose, which dries out the mouth further due to the lack of moisture from the air.
To avoid dry mouth, try sucking on sugarless hard candy, chewing sugar-free gum, sipping water frequently, or using an oral rinse with hydrating ingredients such as xylitol or saline.
Reducing your intake of caffeine can also reduce the amount of fluid you produce in your mouth. Additionally, certain types of alcohol cause dehydration. Avoiding these beverages when suffering from dry mouth can help to alleviate your symptoms.
If your dry mouth is caused by medication, talk to your doctor about alternative medications. You can also ask your doctor for a prescription mouthwash that is specially formulated to relieve dry mouth symptoms.
Adjust your diet
A healthy diet goes a long way toward helping your smile stay strong and healthy. However, there are some specific foods and beverages that can worsen your mouth odor. Some foods that should be avoided are onions, garlic, and other strongly flavored foods. You may also want to avoid eating processed foods that are rich in sugar as well as alcoholic beverages. Tobacco products can also contribute to bad breath, so quitting smoking is another way you can help your breath smell better.
In addition to changing your diet, you can further improve your breath by drinking more water and avoiding dry mouth.
Schedule regular dental checkups
The best way to get rid of bad breath is to visit our general dentist for professional dental cleanings and exams in Phoenix, AZ. Even the best oral hygiene routines at home can’t remove plaque and tartar that builds up on your teeth or below the gum line. Your dental hygienist can clean those hard-to-reach areas thoroughly to keep your mouth healthy and prevent issues like bad breath.
To learn more, visit West Portland Dental at 100 W Portland St Suite 104, Phoenix, AZ 85003, or call (602) 580-0414. Our team will guide you further.
