We all know that person. The one who always has bad breath, no matter what they do. It can be embarrassing and oftentimes, people don’t even want to be around them. But did you know that bad breath is more than just a social inconvenience? In fact, it can be a sign of something much more serious. In this blog post, we will discuss the many causes of bad breath and how to get rid of it for good!
What is halitosis?
So, what exactly is halitosis? Halitosis is the medical term for bad breath. It can be caused by a number of different factors and oftentimes, it is a symptom of another underlying condition. Some common symptoms of halitosis include bad breath that persists even after brushing your teeth and/or a sour or metallic taste in your mouth.
Causes of Bad Breath
There are many different factors that can cause bad breath. Some of the most common include:
Bacteria:
The bacteria that live in your mouth thrive on leftover food particles. When these particles are not removed, bacteria feed on them and release foul-smelling waste products. More bacteria equals more odors.
Foods/Drinks:
Certain foods and drinks can cause bad breath. Common offenders include garlic, onions, coffee, and alcohol. This is because they have strong odors that linger in the mouth. They can also affect the way you breath smells once they are digested and absorbed into the body.
Poor Oral Hygiene:
If you don’t brush and floss your teeth regularly, the food and bacteria in your mouth will begin to decompose and cause bad breath. In addition, if you don’t remove plaque from your teeth, it can harden and turn into tartar. Tartar is a breeding ground for bacteria and can cause bad breath.
Sugar:
Sugar is a food source for the bacteria in your mouth. When these bacteria break down sugar, they release acidic gasses that can cause bad breath.
Smoking:
Smoking is a major cause of bad breath. The tar and nicotine in cigarettes coat your teeth and tongue, which leads to an increase in bacteria. In addition, smoking dries out your mouth and decreases saliva production. Saliva is important because it helps to remove food particles and bacteria from your mouth.
Digestive Problems:
Digestive problems such as GERD, gastritis, and Crohn’s disease can cause bad breath. This is because they allow stomach acids to flow back up into the esophagus. When these acids mix with the bacteria in your mouth, they release foul-smelling gases.
Dry Mouth:
Dry mouth is a condition where there is not enough saliva in your mouth. This can be caused by medications, medical conditions, or simply not drinking enough water. Without saliva to remove food particles and bacteria, they begin to decompose and cause bad breath.
Gum Disease:
Gum disease is an infection of the gums that can be caused by plaque buildup. When plaque hardens into tartar, it irritates the gums and causes them to become inflamed. This inflammation can lead to gum disease, which can cause bad breath.
How to Get Rid of Bad Breath
Now that we know the many different causes of bad breath, let’s discuss how to get rid of it. The first step is to practice good oral hygiene. This means brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day. In addition, you should brush your tongue or use a tongue scraper to remove bacteria. You should also see your dentist regularly for professional cleanings.
If you are a smoker, quitting smoking is the best way to get rid of bad breath. If you have a dry mouth, there are a few things you can do to help. Chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free candy to stimulate saliva production. You should also avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can cause dehydration. In addition, try to drink six to eight glasses of water each day.
In Conclusion
In this blog, we have discussed bad breath and its many causes. We have also discussed how to get rid of bad breath. If you are concerned about your breath, the best thing to do is to see your dentist. They will be able to determine if you have gum disease or another condition that is causing your bad breath. Thanks for reading!
Dr. Sadati possesses extensive experience in all aspects of advanced restorative dentistry, with an emphasis in cosmetic and implant dentistry. He has attained Accredited Fellow status in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), the most rigorous, demanding credentialing process in the world. He is the only AACD Accredited Fellow in South Florida.
