Bad breath isn’t fun for you or anyone else. It feels awkward when others back away as you speak, or you may worry that your breath makes them think less of you. The hardest part? Even when you’re aware that your breath smells bad, fixing it can seem tricky.

Whether it’s your breath or your child’s, rest assured that this problem can be solved. By understanding halitosis and how to treat it, you can say goodbye to bad breath.   

Understanding the Causes of Bad Breath

There are many reasons why you may have stinky breath. In most cases, the underlying cause is not a big deal. However, bad breath can sometimes indicate something more serious. 

Food 

One of the most common sources of your bad breath is something you ate. Onions, coffee, and garlic are top offenders that affect the air when you exhale.

Bacteria 

Hundreds of bacteria live in your mouth and can cause your breath to smell bad at any time. Bacteria thrive in warm environments, making your mouth the perfect place for them to grow and multiply. They feed on particles of food that linger in your mouth after eating, leaving behind a foul odor.

Dry Mouth 

If you don’t produce enough saliva, your mouth isn’t being cleaned properly. Saliva constantly works to rinse your mouth and get rid of leftover food. Medications for diabetes, allergies, high blood pressure, mental health conditions, and chronic pain can all cause dry mouth and contribute to bad breath.   

Gum Disease 

Chronic bad breath can also indicate gum disease. This oral health condition is caused by a sticky, cavity-causing bacteria called plaque. Plaque eventually hardens into tartar and can irritate your gums. 

Poor Oral Hygiene 

A lack of brushing and flossing allows food to remain in the mouth, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. Food collects between teeth and on the tongue, rots, and causes an unpleasant odor and taste in your mouth.   

Health Conditions 

Sometimes, you can’t help your bad breath. It could be a symptom of an underlying health condition, such as chronic sinusitis, diabetes, a gastrointestinal disorder, or a liver or kidney disorder.

Practical Tips for Combating Bad Breath

Dealing with bad breath might seem complicated, but don’t worry. There are many tried and true methods to combat it. Whether you need a quick fix or a lasting solution, it can be remedied. 

Brush and floss more frequently and schedule regular dental checkups to address and prevent underlying dental issues. Switching to an electric toothbrush may also help because they do a more thorough job cleaning the mouth.  

Making small lifestyle changes can also help manage your halitosis. Drinking lots of water flushes away the food particles that accumulate in your mouth throughout the day. Stop drinking coffee because it is not only a contributor to bad breath, but it causes dehydration in the mouth.

Avoid smoking and using tobacco products to help freshen your breath. These products can dry the mouth out and promote bacteria growth. Smoking also increases your risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease, both of which produce bad breath.   

Seeking Professional Help and Advice

If your bad breath persists, it makes sense to visit your dentist. However, that’s only one part of it. Talk to your physician about any symptoms related to your bad breath. Your doctor may diagnose an underlying condition. 

Visiting your dentist for professional cleanings and examinations will also help identify the root of your bad breath. During a dental cleaning, the hygienist removes any plaque accumulating on your teeth. Removing this debris can help prevent halitosis. 

Diagnostic tools like X-rays will be used, and your dentist will examine your mouth for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other causes of bad breath. They’ll discuss your treatment options and help you make a plan to get it under control. 

You can beat bad breath. 

By understanding what causes bad breath, you can avoid the embarrassment related to it. You’ll have a plan with your dentist to address your treatment needs and learn how to stop bad breath from returning. 

There are also some regular things you can do at home. Brush your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove stinky plaque. However, keep in mind that brushing will only remove debris from part of your tooth. Flossing is the only way to get bacteria from between the teeth. Toothbrush bristles just cannot get in between those tight spaces! 

Remember to clean your tongue, too. Bacteria can hide in the nooks and crannies on your tongue, especially in the back of your mouth. Brushing the tongue can remove up to half of the foul-smelling bacteria, leaving you with the freshest breath!

Consult the best family dentist in Corpus Christi.

If you’re trying to manage your bad breath but need some extra help, Orchard Dental Associates is ready to help. We offer comprehensive general dental care and can help you get to the root of your problem. Prevention is always your best defense against bad breath, so call us today and get started with a consultation.