Are you embarrassed by bad breath? Also known as halitosis, the thought of having bad breath can make one paranoid in getting too close to someone – especially because in most cases, people aren’t aware they have bad breath unless someone tells them. Usually this does not happen because of the awkwardness it would cause. …
Are you embarrassed by bad breath? Also known as halitosis, the thought of having bad breath can make one paranoid in getting too close to someone – especially because in most cases, people aren’t aware they have bad breath unless someone tells them. Usually this does not happen because of the awkwardness it would cause. For some people it can be a short-lived issue and for others, it can be a chronic problem. Brushing one’s teeth is unfortunately not always a solution for halitosis.
Possible causes of bad breath include:
Poor oral hygiene – one of the more obvious reasons of course. If people are not brushing their teeth at least twice a day, there will be a problem with bad breath – especially in the morning. No one likes the smell (or taste) of morning breath! Also, if not flossing, food particles may become stuck between the teeth and can actually start to decay.
Dry mouth – if you do not have an adequate amount of saliva, this can cause dry mouth. It could stem from problems with the salivary gland or be a side effect of medication. It is very important to drink water throughout the day to keep your body hydrated to try to help combat this as well.
Food & drink – certain things like coffee, onions, garlic, spices, cheese, dairy, and seafood can linger in the body because they are absorbed into the blood stream and then moved into the lungs. It is not just a quick fix to brush your teeth. People on low carbohydrate diets can also experience bad breath – ketone breath – because the body then burns the fats it has for energy.
Smoking – an obvious one – cigarettes and chewing tobacco should be avoided for preventing bad breath, and for maintaining good health, period!
Certain illnesses – gum disease, various infections, and diabetes are some examples of illnesses that can contribute to a foul-smelling mouth.
Dentures or dental appliances – if these are not properly cleaned, food particles start forming bacteria and can lead to tooth decay. If dentures are not properly fitted, they can cause sores in the mouth, which can lead to a bad odor as well.
What can I do about my bad breath?
(1) Check your diet…what food or drink could you stay away from?
(2) Amp up your oral hygiene routine – be sure you are brushing for at least 2 minutes in the morning and at night. Floss between all of your teeth. Get regular professional dental cleanings and checkups. Replace your toothbrush every few months, or after you are sick. Use an alcohol-free mouthwash. Take a toothbrush to work or school.
(3) Ask your doctor if there may be alternatives to your medications if that seems to be the problem.
(4) Keep sugar-free gum and breath mints handy for use after meals, at work or school, or on dates.
Overdue for a dental cleaning? That is a great place to start when battling halitosis. Contact us today if you are in the Surrey area to book an appointment!
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