Bad breath also known as halitosis is a nasty and common occurrence that affects countless Australians each day. It is one of the more embarrassing forms of hygiene issues and it leaves you feeling self-conscious and humiliated.
As a result, we often find ourselves consuming methods of temporary freshness in mints, gum, and other breath freshener solutions. These remedies usually do the trick if the bad breath is the consequence of last night’s garlic bread, sometimes however the bad breath is unavoidable and you’re left wondering where it came from and why it just won’t go away.
Not to fear! Here are some the main causes of bad breath, along with easy steps you can follow to manage or prevent it.
Causes of Bad Breath
The causes of bad breath can differ in severity, from simple oral hygiene issues to more extreme health conditions and they can be both temporary or ongoing.
Temporary Bad Breath
Temporary bad breath also known as transient, refers to the everyday oral hygiene factors having an effect on your breath such as:
- eating certain foods
- drinking alcohol
- smoking
- or even the way you sleep
Breathing through your mouth whilst sleeping produces less saliva and as a result can produce transient bad breath.
Ongoing Bad Breath
Bad breath that is ongoing can be caused by alternative health conditions, which may require medical or dental treatment.
- Inside the mouth – can be a result of gum disease, mouth infections, trapped food, or salivary gland problems.
- Parts of the body – nose or throat infections, tonsillitis, postnasal drip, lung and airway infections and reflux disease are just a few that are not a result of an oral issue.
- Other – fasting and certain medications can also become a basis for bad breath.
Cures and Prevention Tips
Though there are multiple sources that can cause bad breath, it is most commonly the result of bacteria in your mouth, this bacteria comes from leftover food particles breaking down. Specifically found in dental plaque, this bacteria can build up on and in between teeth that are not cleaned regularly.
The following steps can help you to manage and prevent the common forms of bad breath:
1. Brush your teeth!
As obvious as it sounds, brushing your teeth at least twice a day is the most effective form of prevention! Focusing on the area where the teeth meet the gum and using a fluoride containing toothpaste, will stop the build-up of plaque.
2.Clean between your teeth
Flossing between your teeth allows you to reach the plaque where your toothbrush can’t, this is recommended to be done daily.
3.Avoid eating too many sugary foods and drinks
Yes, we’ve all heard this one before, but it’s true! Sugary foods encourage bacteria to grow which can contribute to tooth erosion and bad breath.
4. Stop your mouth from getting too dry
Keep your mouth hydrated by drinking plenty of water and chewing healthy foods such as apples or carrots, this supports a healthy saliva flow.
5. See your dentist regularly!
The most important tip of all, see your dentist on a regular basis. Your dentist will not only ensure your teeth are clean and free of all the nasties, but they can detect potential bad breath causing issues within your teeth and gums. Additionally, they can provide personal advice on prevention of developing bad breath in the future.
Contact us now to book in your regular check-up!
Resources:
https://www.mydr.com.au/first-aid-self-care/bad-breath-halitosis
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/halitosis