Learn More About Bad Breath

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The major sign of bad breath is having an unpleasant odour coming from the mouth that is past what is socially acceptable. It varies from person to person, and the underlying causes.

The foul smell may be worse in the morning or after drinking coffee, eating a certain food, or smoking. It can be challenging to know whether you really have a bad-smelling breath on your own.

The following may be a source or reasons for bad breath:

• Neglecting oral hygiene habits. Irregular brushing and inadequate cleaning between your teeth can allow food debris to remain in your mouth. Then, there is a high risk of bacterial growth that can release compounds that cause an unpleasant smell. Make sure you thoroughly but gently brush your teeth daily and use dental floss to eliminate particles between them.
• Diet. The food you eat can affect your breath later, particularly if you eat those with strong odours, such as garlic and onions. Since the bloodstream carries the odour to your lungs, and you exhale it through your mouth. While most foods may only cause temporary bad breath, if you have a diet that consists of mostly pungent foods, it can lead to chronic halitosis.
• Odour-causing bacteria on the tongue. The back of the tongue is a prime breeding ground for these bacteria because it isn’t cleaned very often. They can interact with amino acids in food and produce smelly sulphur compounds. Over time, these compounds can build up and cause bad breath. You can use a tongue scraper or mouthwash to help decrease debris around your tongue.
• Dry mouth. The mouth needs saliva to cleanse itself and reduce food particles left behind. And when there is a decrease in the production of saliva, it can lead to bad breath. In some cases, having a dry mouth may be caused by certain medicines, a salivary gland disorder, or by always breathing through the mouth instead of the nose. Hence, it’s essential to drink plenty of water and keep hydrated.
• Gum disease. If you have active gum disease, one of the symptoms you may notice is a bad taste and unpleasant breath.
• Smoking habits. Smoking is not only bad for your health but can also result in a bad breath because the chemicals in tobacco products can create an unpleasant mouth odour.
• Other mouth, nose, and throat conditions. While bad breath is usually the result of poor dental hygiene, other health conditions can cause an unpleasant scent. One such is the formation of small tonsil stones in the tonsils. They are often covered with bacteria that produce an odour. Additionally, oral infections or chronic inflammation in the nose, sinus infections, or throat can contribute to postnasal drip, which is another leading cause of unpleasant breath.

Regular use of mouthwash can be essential for preventing and managing bad breath. The swishing action can eliminate debris between your teeth and reduce unpleasant odours. You can look for an antiseptic mouthrinse that dental professionals recommend. It is important to use it as directed by the manufacturer or as per the dentist.

However, they are not a long-term technique for persistent halitosis. The ideal way to address the issue is to see your dentist regularly and know a recommended course of action.

Unaddressed bad breath may not only be concerning to your appearance but also a warning to your health. As we’ve discussed, the unpleasant smell from your mouth can indicate other dental problems or health issues. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, it can lead to aggravation of the underlying condition.

For these reasons, we highly recommend seeing a dentist. Essentially, if your bad breath continues, even with at-home oral care.