Bad breath is something most people experience at one time or another. Halitosis can be embarrassing, and if caused by something other than dental issues, it can be serious. Consult your dentist if you have bad breath. He or she will examine your mouth to determine your specific bad breath issue, and may recommend you see your primary care provider for further medical attention if necessary.
What Causes Bad Breath?
Causes of halitosis can vary. The following are common reasons you may have bad breath:
- Bad breath can result from the hundreds of types of bacteria that live in your mouth. When you eat, the bacteria feed on the food left in your mouth. This is the natural state of your body, but waste from the bacteria leaves your mouth with an unpleasant odor.
- Dry Mouth. If your mouth does not make enough saliva, you will experience dry mouth. Saliva is important because it works throughout the day to cleanse your mouth. Certain medications, salivary gland problems, or simply breathing through your mouth can cause dry mouth.
- Garlic, onions, coffee, and other strong-flavored or spicy foods or liquids will give you bad breath.
- Gum Disease. If your bad breath will not go away, or if you frequently have a bad taste in your mouth, these can be early warning signs of gum disease.
- Smoking and Tobacco. Smoking stains your teeth, gives you bad breath, and puts you at risk for numerous additional health problems. Using tobacco also interferes with your ability to taste foods and irritates gum tissues.
- Medical Conditions. Infections in your mouth can cause bad breath, as can sinus conditions. But if your dentist has ruled out dental or mouth and throat issues as the cause of your bad breath, you could have another problem, such as gastric reflux, diabetes, or liver or kidney disease. Follow up immediately with a medical doctor.
How Can I Prevent Bad Breath?
Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day are the first steps in preventing bad breath. Flossing is especially important because food particles caught between your teeth cause odors as they break down. Also, use a bacteria-killing mouthwash with fluoride to freshen your breath and protect your teeth and gums.
To avoid dry mouth and generate more saliva, drink plenty of water throughout the day. Eat fruits and vegetables that require a lot of chewing, such as apples or carrots. Another fix is chewing sugar-free gum or eating sugar-free breath mints or candies.
If you wear removable dentures, take them out at night and clean them thoroughly before using them again in the morning.
Lastly, make every effort to quit cigarette smoking and tobacco use. Seek more advanced help if you cannot quit on your own. Smokers and tobacco users are more likely to suffer from advanced dental issues, including gum disease. And since smoking also affects your sense of smell, you probably are not aware of your own bad breath.
Regular Dental Checkups are Essential
If you have bad breath concerns, see your dentist to discuss your problem. Regular checkups are essential in detecting issues such as dry mouth, tooth decay, and gum disease. If your dentist determines your mouth is healthy, the next step is seeing your primary care provider in case you have a more serious health problem.