Bad breath can be caused by a number of factors, including poor oral hygiene, certain foods, and lifestyle habits like smoking.
If you are struggling with bad breath, you are not alone. Many people suffer from the issue, known as halitosis. In some cases, bad breath is merely a temporary problem, but it can also be a chronic condition and a sign of an underlying health issue. Read on to find out what causes it, and what you can do about it…
What are the possible causes?
One of the possible causes of bad breath is poor oral hygiene. If you don’t brush and floss your teeth regularly, it’s likely that food particles and bacteria will remain in your mouth and get stuck between your teeth. When food debris and bacteria stay in the mouth for long periods of time, they can cause an unpleasant smell. Without proper oral hygiene, plaque also tends to accumulate on the teeth, which can lead to bad breath.
Another cause of bad breath is consuming certain foods and drinks that have a particularly strong odour. Some common culprits include onions, garlic and coffee, among others. Lifestyle habits such a smoking can also cause bad breath and leave the mouth dry, another factor that exacerbates bad breath.
Gum disease can also cause bad breath. The condition often occurs when plaque is left to harden on the teeth, and the gums become infected and inflamed. When tartar forms, small pockets between the teeth and gums can form, in which food and bacteria can accumulate. This can lead to bad breath.
How can bad breath be prevented?
One of the best ways to prevent bad breath is to practice proper oral hygiene. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to ensure that you remove bacteria, food debris and plaque from your teeth before they begin to smell. It’s also a good idea to clean your tongue, as this helps to get rid of odour-causing bacteria. Good oral hygiene habits also help to prevent gum disease.
Another good way of preventing bad breath is to stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps to wash away food particles and also ensures that your mouth stays moist.
If you wear dentures, be sure to clean them daily — dentures that are not properly cleaned can cause a bad odour as bacteria and food particles accumulate.
How can it be treated?
If you are really struggling with bad breath, it can be helpful to come in for a check-up. This will give your dentist the opportunity to determine the cause of the issue and provide you with any useful oral hygiene tips. In some cases, a professional teeth cleaning can be helpful in resolving the issue. If an underlying health condition is causing your bad breath, your dentist will advise you on the best course of action.
How can we help?
At My Dental Care @ West End, we offer treatments for bad breath. We also encourage our patients to practice good oral hygiene and our team is available to provide you with advice and tips for optimising your brushing and flossing techniques. For more information on bad breath and how it can be managed, please have a look here.
If you would like to make an appointment to see us, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
