Bad breath (halitosis) is something that happens to everyone at one time or another. Unfortunately, there are some of us that are more prone to developing bad breath more than others. In most cases, bad breath is simply a symptom of something that you ate. In other cases, bad breath is a warning sign that you need to pay attention to.
At Friendly Dentistry we want you to feel confident all the time about your oral health and how your breath smells. We will exam the causes of bad breath and share some tips on how to stop bad breath.
What Causes Bad Breath?
The most common cause of bad breath is skipping out on oral hygiene. Sometimes bad breath is just a leftover from last night’s sleep and forgetting to brush as you are running out the door. Stinking morning breath is common which is why making sure your toothbrush is a big part of your morning routine is so important.
Since you are not drinking during the night and your saliva production is down, that dry mouth in the morning can really smell. A quick tooth brushing, flossing a bit of rinsing can get rid of the odor.
What if You Brush and You Still Have Bad Breath?
A lot of people do make sure they brush and floss and rinse in the morning and yet a few minutes later the bad breath comes back. If you have not been to the dentist in a while, and you are dealing with bad breath, get to the dentist. You may have some decay or the early stages of gum disease. Make your appointment and get a dental exam. Brushing your teeth may not be getting rid of the bad breath because there is something more serious happening with your oral health.
There is a distinct smell to cavities and problems with gums that do not go away by popping a few mints. It will consistently return until you have the problem addressed.
– Cindy
Dentures and Other Dental Prosthetics
Dentures can be the cause of your bad breath. Whether you have a full or a partial denture, you should remove it every night before going to bed and use a commercial cleaner to soak them overnight. Bacteria can build up on dentures just like it can on your natural teeth and really give off a terrible odor.
If you do not remove your dentures regularly and let the tissue underneath breathe you can also develop a fungal overgrowth. Speak to your dentist about dental hygiene with dentures. Other dental prosthetics like retainers and mouth guards should be cleaned thoroughly and regularly.
What Exactly Are You Eating?
Garlicky foods, foods flavored with heavy spices and other beverages and food can be the source of your stinky breath. Unfortunately, the scent of some foods will linger long after you eat them. Garlic is a well-known offender when it comes to the smell sticking around for a while but it certainly isn’t the only thing that is affecting your breath.
Coffee, alcohol, dairy before bedtime and of course, smoking can all cause bad breath. If you want to know how to stop bad breath that you think is related to what you are drinking or eating, that is a simple one, just don’t eat or drink it.
If you do eat or drink those well-known offenders simply follow up with a good brushing and rinsing. You can also chew some sugarless gum and suck on a sugar free mint to find some relief. After an hour or so you will have the fresh breath that you want to be associated with.
It Could be a Health Issue
If you are doing all the things your dentist has told you to do like using a tongue scraper, coming in for regular cleanings to remove plaque and practicing all-around good oral hygiene, it can be health-related. Tonsils that are infected can give you bad breath.
Ulcers, GERD, and acid reflux can also cause bad breath. If you are experiencing stomach upset along with bad breath you should see your medical doctor. If you are experiencing a sore throat along with bad breath again see your medical doctor.
Other medical condition possibilities that can cause chronic bad breath include problems with your sinuses, postnasal drip, infection of the respiratory tract, sinusitis, and dehydration. It is important that you work with both your medical doctor and your dentist to find the root cause of your bad breath, then they can work on how to get rid of bad breath for you.
Tips for How to Stop bad Breath
The single best way to fight bad breath is by getting rid of odor-causing bacteria in your mouth. How do you do that? You amp up your oral hygiene routine.
Getting rid of the foul odor really comes down to taking the steps to prevent bad breath in the first place. You can cure bad breath once and for all by seeing your dentist regularly and following their advice for caring for your teeth.
Follow these tips from Friendly Dentistry:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day, of course, it is best to brush after every meal.
- Stay hydrated to fight bad breath.
- Invest in a tongue scraper and scrape the back of the tongue as part of your daily routine.
- Watch what you eat. If you smoke, STOP.
- Floss regularly to remove food stuck in teeth and at the gum line.
- Chew sugar free gum.
- Add a good quality mouthwash to your oral health care regiment.
Make an appointment at Friendly Dentistry in Greensboro NC to learn more about how to stop bad breath and get the oral health care that you deserve.