If you ever experienced the humiliation of bad breath, you’re not alone. Research suggests that bad breath affects around 25% of the world’s population. That’s 1 in 4 people globally! Yet, while most of us suffer the embarrassment of ‘morning breath’ from time to time, lingering odors can be a real problem, particularly if you’re faced with social situations. Not only can the problem impact social life, it’s often an indicator of underlying issues.
Unfortunately, many people who suffer from lingering bad breath, known as halitosis, are faced with a catch-22 situation. They want to eradicate the problem but they’re often too embarrassed to visit their local dentist and so, the problem (and their anxiety) worsens. If you can relate to this, then we’re here to help.
Tackling bad breath is relatively easy once you understand the common triggers. So, in this post, we’re going to talk about the causes of this smelly problem and what you can do to get rid of bad breath permanently.
Common Causes of Bad Breath and Their Solutions
Bad breath occurs for a variety of reasons, ranging from poor oral hygiene to certain foods and health conditions. Here are some of the most common culprits and their solutions:
1. Poor Oral Hygiene
One of the leading causes of bad breath is simply not brushing and flossing regularly. When food particles are left in the mouth, they break down and produce bacteria that emit volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs). These compounds are responsible for that unpleasant smell. Additionally, the tongue can house over 200 billion bacteria at any one time (some 650 species) so failing to clean the tongue can also contribute to bad breath.
Solutions – It may sound obvious but something as simple as brushing and flossing daily can make all the difference. Use fluoride toothpaste and a toothbrush with soft bristles to clean all surfaces of your teeth and gums. Don’t forget to brush the tongue, where bacteria love to hide!
2. Foods
Certain foods, particularly those high in sulfur compounds, can cause bad breath. Garlic, onions, and certain spices are well-known offenders. After eating, these foods release volatile oils that are absorbed into the bloodstream and eventually exhaled through the lungs, leading to bad breath long after your meal is over.
Solutions – Consider making slight dietary changes. While you might not need to cut out foods like onions and garlic entirely, be mindful of how often and when you eat them. For example, if you know you’re going to meet friends or attend a social event, you might want to skip the alliums altogether.
Moreover, fruits and vegetables like carrots and celery are naturally fibrous, so they act like nature’s toothbrush, cleaning teeth as you eat. Apples, too, help to boost saliva production which plays a crucial role in keeping the mouth bacteria-free.
3. Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)
Here’s a fun fact… your average human produces up to 1.5 liters of saliva a day. So, why is this important? Saliva helps to dilute and eliminate sugars that otherwise cause plaque but also, it helps to rinse away food particles and bacteria.
When the mouth doesn’t produce sufficient saliva due to dehydration, medications, or conditions like sleep apnea, you may have a condition known as dry mouth (xerostomia). In this desert-like environment, bacteria can replicate more easily, resulting in bad breath.
Solutions – Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help to prevent dry mouth. Water acts as a stimulator which promotes saliva production, Additionally, if you are taking medications that are known to cause dry mouth, ask your doctor about swapping them out for another brand or type.
4. Smoking
There’s no getting away from the fact that smoking causes cigarette breath but the habit can also dry the mouth out, increasing the likelihood of developing bad breath.
Solutions – While the obvious answer to get rid of bad breath permanently is to quit, this may not be an immediate solution for many smokers. So, one way to ensure fresher breath is to brush your teeth immediately after smoking. Also, a quality alcohol-free mouthwash can help to maintain fresh breath without drying out the mouth. Finally, because smokers have a higher level of harmful bacteria in the mouth at any one time you may want to use a tongue scraper. Most drug stores sell them and they’re inexpensive and easy to use
5. Medical Conditions
We talked at the start of this article about bad breath being a sign of an underlying health condition. And, indeed, problems like sinus infections, respiratory infections, and gastrointestinal problems can all lead to bad breath. In more severe cases, conditions such as diabetes, liver disease, or the onset of kidney failure can also contribute to an unpleasant smell.
Solutions – If you have persistent bad breath despite adopting these preventative measures, it might be time to visit your doctor. They know how to diagnose and treat the root cause of the problem, or at the very least, refer you to a specialist who can.
6. Poor Dental Health
Cavities, gum disease, or infections can all manifest in persistent bad breath. If plaque builds up on your teeth and isn’t removed, it can lead to gingivitis, which causes inflammation and bad breath. Periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease, can also produce foul-smelling breath.
Solutions – Regular visits to your dentist are vital in maintaining a healthy and odor-free mouth. A good dentist won’t judge your current condition and will identify and treat any underlying dental problems that may be causing bad breath.
Here at Mint Dental, for example, we’re a full-service dentist in Anchorage, Alaska who prides ourselves on our open and non-judgmental environment where our focus is on treating your condition.
Fresh Breath, Fresh Confidence
Bad breath can be a deep source of embarrassment, but it’s a problem that can usually be addressed with proper care and attention. By understanding the causes and following these practical tips, you’ll have greater knowledge of how to get rid of bad breath permanently.
If you’re concerned about bad breath and feel it’s time you did something about it, schedule a consultation at Mint Dental today! We’ll get to the root cause of the problem while offering sound advice to keep your breath fresh in the future.
