No one likes bad breath. It doesn’t taste good and it sure doesn’t smell good.
Bad breath can be embarrassing if you’re the one with it, particularly if someone notices and points it out. Thankfully, it’s easily avoidable and that’s because it can be managed and fixed with the right dental hygiene.
What causes bad breath?
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is when your breath stinks for a long period of time. For most people, they experience it right after waking up. Bad breath in the morning occurs because there is less saliva production when you’re sleeping and your mouth can’t clean away the particles or debris that have been left. Morning breath usually goes away once your teeth are brushed. However, if it continues to linger throughout the day, that’s not as normal. You may be experiencing some underlying issues.
Poor dental hygiene
Not looking after your teeth and mouth is the biggest contributor to halitosis. If you don’t brush your teeth or floss after eating, food particles left in your mouth will create bacteria buildup and leave plaque on your teeth. This plaque causes a strong odour, leading to bad breath. It’s also important to regularly clean your tongue. By doing so, you’ll remove sulphur-producing bacteria that builds up and creates a strong smell when broken down. If you wear dentures, Invisalign or any other oral appliance, you must give them a regular clean to avoid collecting bacteria and food particles on them.
Consuming certain food or drink
Be aware of what foods you are putting in your mouth. Pungent foods such as garlic, spices, and onions or drinks such as coffee, can make your bad breath worse because they enter your bloodstream and ultimately affect your breath.
Dry mouth
A dry mouth is a breeding ground for bad breath. As mentioned earlier, this happens because there is less saliva to help wash away food particles and bacteria, leading to an increased risk of odour. While some degree of dry mouth is normal, be aware if you sleep with your mouth open or take medications with side effects, as these factors can worsen dry mouth and increase bad breath.
Smoking and vaping frequently
Smoking and vaping are also bad for your breath. The chemicals from tobacco products and some of the chemicals in vaping products stay in both your lungs and mouth, creating a strong mouth odour. Smokers and vapers are more likely to have gum disease, which is another factor towards having bad breath as well.
Infections and diseases
Infections in the nose, sinuses, or throat can all create bad breath from the back of the throat. This happens because fluid drips from your nose down your throat and into your mouth. The bacteria found on the tonsil stones along with any issues such as kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, or gastroesophageal reflux disorder can all lead to bad breath.
How to treat bad breath
Treating halitosis is easy.
Step #1: Notice the problem.
Step #2: Visit a dentist who can smell your mouth, nose and tongue.
From there, the dentist will determine what’s causing the bad breath. If odour is due to plaque buildup, gum disease, or tooth decay, a dentist will recommend booking a dental cleaning to solve that problem. If dry mouth is a huge contributor, they may offer an artificial saliva product or insist that you drink more water to limit the scent.
Can you prevent bad breath?
To lower your chances of having halitosis, it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene and make healthy lifestyle choices. Here are some key steps you can take to reduce bad breath and contribute to better overall oral health:
- Brush Twice a Day: Brush your teeth at least twice daily using fluoride toothpaste to remove food particles and plaque.
- Floss Daily: Floss once a day to clean between your teeth and remove plaque that brushing alone cannot reach.
- Hydrate: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help wash away food particles and keep your mouth moist.
- Quit Smoking and Vaping: If you smoke, quitting can significantly reduce odour and improve your overall oral health.
- Clean Dental Appliances: If you use dentures, mouth guards, or retainers, clean them regularly as directed by your dentist to prevent the buildup of bacteria.
- Replace Your Toothbrush: Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles become frayed.
Bad breath treatment in Melbourne
Here at Oakleigh Dental, we help our patients with every aspect of their oral and dental health. If you’re struggling with your breath or looking for the right dental clinic, we are here to help. Get in touch to book a consultation with one of our friendly team.
