Bad Breath Got You Down? Here’s How You Can Combat It

Bad breath is the dreaded, lingering smell that fills the air when you talk, laugh, and even breathe, and it can have a dire impact on your confidence in social settings. It can be caused by a variety of underlying conditions and even habits, which is why approximately 30 percent of the population complains that they have it! Whether it’s a fleeting issue or a persistent one, the only person that can help equip you with the knowledge and care necessary to treat it is your dentist. Read on to learn what issues cause bad breath and ways you can combat it.

What Causes Bad Breath?

Bad breath, clinically referred to as halitosis, is one of the most common dental complaints among people in the United States. In many cases, there are a few underlying reasons why your breath can develop a sulfuric or bad smell, including the following.

Eating Certain Foods

It’s no surprise that one of the most common reasons people get bad breath is because of eating certain foods, like those that contain a lot of onions or garlic. In these cases, the smell should go away within a day, or even after you brush your teeth and use mouthwash. It’s important to brush your tongue to prevent this food debris from collecting in your mouth, which would allow the smell to linger.

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth can be a genetic issue, not staying hydrated enough, or even due to tobacco use. When there isn’t enough saliva being produced, food debris won’t naturally get washed away from your mouth, causing a less-than-inviting smell to develop.

Gum Disease & Poor Dental Hygiene

Poor dental hygiene results in the build-up of harmful oral bacteria in the crevices of your smile. Over time, these bacteria release a sulfuric waste that contribute to enamel erosion, tooth decay, and gum disease. It’s also the reason why one of the tell-tale signs of gum disease is halitosis.

How to Get Rid of Bad Breath

There are a few ways you can get rid of and prevent bad breath. Some of these include:

• Maintaining good at-home dental hygiene. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and rinsing with mouthwash will help clear away food debris and plaque from your tongue and teeth.
• Going in for professional checkups and cleanings regularly. Bi-annual checkups and cleanings with your dentist and hygienist will help prevent small dental problems from developing further.
• Getting treatment for gum disease. If you have gum disease, you may require scaling and root planing or other treatments to control the symptoms and prevent tooth loss.
• Watching the foods you eat. If you’re being conscientious of not having bad breath, consider avoiding onion and garlic-heavy foods.
• Staying hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to prevent dry mouth.
• Quitting tobacco. Speak with your primary care physician about ways to quit using tobacco.

If you’re ever in need of additional information about halitosis or become concerned about your bad breath, the best person to go to for advice is your dentist! With their guidance, you can get the breath-refresh you need before going out with friends, presenting at an important work meeting, or even going on a date!

About the Author

Dr. Arrechea has over 20 years of experience practicing dentistry and has helped patients maintain healthy, fresh, and functional smiles throughout their entire lives. She offers a wide range of treatments to help curb common dental concerns like bad breath, ranging from gum disease treatment to professional cleanings. For questions or to schedule an appointment, visit Daily Smiles Dental Dallas’ website or call 214-624-6221.