You may feel ill at ease when you realize you have bad breath. Not only can it be agonizing and bothersome for those around you, but it also affects your behavior and the way you speak. Bad breath can surely damage relationships — but fortunately, this problem can often be managed easily with good oral hygiene, medications, and a proper diet.
What causes bad breath?
Bad breath results from a buildup of bacteria in the mouth. It can cause inflammation and release unpleasant odors. Everyone experiences bad breath occasionally — especially in the morning. Studies show that bad breath typically originates from oral sources. For instance, it can be caused by cavities, gum disease, food particles trapped in the tonsils, cracked fillings, or poorly cleaned dentures.
If your spouse or friends have told you that you have bad breath, it’s time to address the issue. Try checking your own breath to see how it smells. One simple method is to smell your dental floss after using it — if it has an unpleasant odor, it’s a strong sign that you have bad breath.
Several internal health conditions that can cause bad breath include diabetes, liver disease, respiratory infections, and chronic bronchitis.
Taking Care of Your Teeth and Gums
The foundation of fresh breath is maintaining good oral hygiene. This includes brushing and flossing after every meal to remove bacteria that cause bad breath. Some mouthwashes or rinses can also help prevent cavities, reduce plaque-causing bacteria, and combat bad breath. For best results, choose an antiseptic or antibacterial mouthwash that kills bacteria, rather than a cosmetic rinse that only masks bad breath temporarily.
Watch What You Eat
The food you eat can significantly affect your breath. After digestion, certain compounds are absorbed into your bloodstream and expelled through your lungs as you breathe. That’s why it’s important to maintain a balanced, healthy diet. Extreme fasting or low-carb diets can lead to foul-smelling breath due to metabolic changes.
Avoid common breath busters like garlic, onions, and spicy foods. People who consume garlic regularly may not only suffer from persistent bad breath but also from body odor.
More Ways to Fix Bad Breath
Here are some additional tips to help eliminate bad breath:
Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water keeps your mouth moist, helps wash away food particles, and reduces the buildup of bacteria that cause bad breath. It also supports your body’s overall functioning.
Be cautious with bottled drinks, sodas, and iced teas — these often contain citric acid, which not only contributes to bad breath but can also erode tooth enamel. To stay fresh and protect your teeth, reduce your intake of these beverages and replace them with water whenever possible.
Avoid Smoking and Tobacco Products
Smoking not only dries out your mouth and body tissues, but the nicotine also constricts blood vessels, reducing healthy saliva flow. Both smoking and tobacco use disrupt your mouth’s natural functions and contribute to bad breath.
To prevent this, quit smoking as soon as possible — or better yet never start.
Clean Your Tongue
Bacteria that cling to your tongue — especially around the taste buds — release waste byproducts that can cause an unpleasant odor. To eliminate this, use a tongue scraper or gently brush your tongue as part of your daily oral hygiene routine.
Additionally, chewing sugarless gum can help stimulate saliva flow, which naturally cleanses your mouth and reduces bad breath.
Use Fresh Mint Leaves
Carry fresh mint leaves with you and chew them when needed. Mint naturally freshens your breath and helps neutralize volatile sulfur compounds — the source of foul odors like the smell of rotten eggs or barnyards.
When these measures fail to eliminate bad breath and the problem persists, it’s best to consult a dentist for a thorough evaluation. If you’re located in Dearborn, Michigan, consider visiting Lakewood Dental Smile — they provide comprehensive and personalized dental care.
