Common Causes of Bad Breath and What You Can Do to Prevent It

Even though almost everyone experiences bad breath at some point in their life, but bad breath can still be embarrassing. Whether you’re preparing for a job interview or just talking with a loved-one, you want fresh breath.

These are a few reasons you might experience bad breath and how to prevent them:

Bacteria

Bacteria naturally grows in your mouth and whenever you eat, the bacteria is also eating, feeding on pieces of food left on your tongue and inside your mouth. This bacteria can create an odour, leaving you with bad breath.

You can prevent an over-growth of bacteria by brushing your tongue as part of your oral health routine. Mouthwash is also a great dental health supplement that can help kill bacteria and even mask bad breath.

Dry Mouth

A dry mouth could also be the reason you’re experiencing bad breath. When you’re dehydrated, your mouth lacks the necessary saliva to self-wash your mouth. Dry mouth can be caused by a number of reasons from medications to mouth-breathing, so it’s important to stay hydrated throughout the day.

You can keep your mouth moist by eating foods that require lots of chewing. Chewing on something like gum will keep the saliva in your mouth flowing. You should also drink water throughout the day. Try to drink the recommended eight glasses a day.

Food

Quite simply, if you eat something with a strong odour, your breath will be stinky. The scent of garlic can penetrate a room in seconds, which means that even though you’ve eaten it, the scent can linger in your mouth for hours.

Stay clear of foods that create bad smells. If you choose to eat one of these foods, you can follow-up your meal with brushing your teeth and tongue.

Tobacco

Tobacco products are not only unhealthy, they also give you bad breath. Smoking and chewing tobacco can cause bacteria build-up and lead to periodontal disease (gum disease), which affects your overall oral health.

While brushing your teeth or gargling with mouthwash after you smoke can help to freshen your breath, you should take a positive step for your health and your breath by quitting the habit altogether.

Medical Conditions

Infections of the mouth, including gum disease, can affect breath. If you take proper care of your oral health, you may be suffering from a health condition. It’s best to speak to your dentist to rule out any health issues.

Looking for a way to fix your bad breath? Contact our dental clinic! Edmonton and area families can count on our experienced and trusted dental team to provide expert care and advice for all their oral health needs.