A lot of our patients come in with concern for their breath. Whether it’s after a coffee, or when waking up, bad breath affects most people some time through their lives. It’s technically known as halitosis. It can be embarrassing, affect your confidence, and how you socialise. There are a few difference causes and the treatment varies depending on the issue. Here are some causes of bad breath and how you can improve them.
Bacteria
Poor oral hygiene can leave food and bacteria around the gum. The growth of bacteria around the gums gives off a sulphuric smell. This, along with the trapped food, can give that bad breath smell.
Brush twice a day and floss once a day to make sure you clean every surface of your tooth. This will help keep those smells down.
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Food
Certain food such as onions, garlic, coffee, alcohol, can all give bad breath. These are usually temporary and are eased by increased hygiene after eating and drinking these foods.
Brushing your teeth, rinsing your mouth, having a glass of tapwater, and chewing sugar free chewing gum can all help this.
Dry mouth
Your saliva is very important in washing away food and bacteria. If you have a dry mouth, your saliva is not able to do this job. Causes of dry mouth include medications, not drinking enough water, drinking caffeine, and mouth breathing.
Drink an adequate amount of water, stimulate your saliva by chewing sugar free mint flavoured chewing gum, minimise alcohol and caffeine, and keep up good hygiene.
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Smoking
Smoking causes it’s own particular smell. It also affects saliva production, causes calculus build up and gum disease.
Cutting down on smoking, having regular cleans and good oral hygiene will help bad breath from this.
Certain medical conditions can cause chronic bad breath. These include:
Diabetes
Poorly controlled diabetes leads to a sweet smelling breath. You should see your doctor urgently to help with this. Having diabetes also makes it easier for you to get gum disease, and bad breath from this.
Make sure you keep up your oral hygiene, as poor oral hygiene has an impact on your control of your diabetes, and vice versa.
Acid reflux
The backflow of acid into your mouth from your stomach can cause a bad smell. Excess acid in your mouth allows bacteria to grow.
Consider avoiding foods that cause acid reflux. If your reflux persists, consult with your GP to check there are no other causes of your reflux.
Sinus issues
People with sinus issues frequently mouth breath, leading to a dry mouth. Infection in the sinus area can also smell, causing bad breath.
Make an effort to breathe through your nose instead of your mouth. If this is difficult, speak to your GP about causes of nasal obstruction and sinustits.
If you practice good oral health and have minimal plaque or calculus build up, but still struggle with bad breath, consult your dentist. There may be other causes to your bad breath worth investigating.
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