Making a good first impression can make a significant difference, but bad breath can stop a positive exchange right in its tracks. Knowing the causes, and arguably, more importantly, the solutions to bad breath can present massive benefits not just for your dental health, but your social life, too!
Luckily, Ace Dental is here to help.
Here are some of the most common causes and potential solutions of bad breath to transform your mouth from ‘pee-yew!’ to minty fresh.
* Cause: Food
Certain foods are more common culprits that contribute to bad breath than others, namely garlic, onions, large amounts of sugar, and some spices. Breaking down food particles by chewing and also your saliva can increase the bacteria in your mouth, also leading to a foul odour.
Solution:
It may seem like a straightforward solution, but practising good oral hygiene is, by and large, the best way to prevent and treat bad breath. If you eat particularly potent foods or flavours, be sure to brush after eating - ideally with toothpaste containing fluoride - and floss between your teeth to remove any excess food.
Don’t forget to brush your tongue, too, as it is more prone to harbouring bacteria that can cause bad breath.
* Cause: Dry mouth
Saliva; In addition to helping to break down the food particles when chewing food and making it easier to swallow. One of the primary functions of saliva in your mouth is to cleanse your mouth while neutralizing harmful acids and removing particles that can contribute to harsh odours. If you have lower than average or decreased saliva production, you could have what's called xerostomia, also known as dry mouth.
The condition often flares up during sleep and can be worsened if you sleep with your mouth open, causing the dreaded 'morning breath.' Frequent and consistent use of tobacco products can also exacerbate dry mouth. However, it can also result from issues with your salivary glands and other diseases.
Solution:
First and foremost, avoid tobacco products as much as possible. On top of this, drink plenty of water and avoid hydrating beverages, including sodas, coffee, and alcohol, which can lead to a drier mouth.
Chewing gums and sucking on hard candies (sugarless, if possible) are also known to help stimulate saliva production. If your dry mouth persists, consult your dentist or physician to investigate any underlying issues or contributing factors.
* Cause: Infection
· Mouth: Even if we do all we can to ensure we practise proper oral hygiene, sometimes factors outside our lifestyle, habits, or control can cause bad breath, such as an infection inside the mouth.
Common underlying causes for infection in the mouth can include unhealed wounds following oral surgery, such as wisdom teeth removal or a root canal. However, it can also result from tooth decay, gum disease or mouth sores.
Solution:
Scheduling regular check-ups with your dentist is the best way to ensure early detection of potential infections before they progress too far. It’s best to contact your dentist or physician as soon as you notice symptoms that may result from an infection to have your mouth examined and cleaned or to determine a more aggressive or immediate course of treatment if necessary.
· Sinus: it is interesting to know that, If you have a chronic sinus infection, the drainage of the infection to the back of your throat can cause bad breath.
· Throat: any acute or chronic infection in your throat also can cause bad breath.
· Stomach: Stomach problems, acid reflux and heartburn also can cause bad breath.
Solution:
Talk to your family physician or ENT specialist to check your sinus and throat for possible chronic infection and follow their treatment.