What Causes Bad Breath and How Should I Get Rid of It?

There are many causes for bad breath, and thus there can be several ways to solve the problem.

One cause is food. Perhaps you just had to have that spicy dish or the garlic bread. But either way, the food you ate affects your breath. Sometimes that is right away as the food particles stay in your mouth. Other times as the food is digested, there are compounds that are released in the bloodstream or the lungs, and the smell is released in your breath.

Another cause may be a lack of oral hygiene. Have you brushed your teeth twice a day to remove plaque? Have you flossed your teeth? Mouthwashes and rinses help to reduce smells associated with bacteria between teeth and on the tongue.

Smoking and tobacco products have a smelly aroma all their own. It’s not just the tobacco that can cause problems, but tobacco users are more likely to have gum disease, which can cause odors as well.

Dry mouth can be caused by several conditions, but it is connected to bad breath. You’ve smelled your own “morning mouth”, but did you realize it was due to a lack of saliva all night? Saliva is needed to wash away food particles and it is antibacterial. One way to counteract morning breath is to make sure to drink plenty of water during the day and before bed. A lack of saliva can occur during the day as well. This may be a side effect of medication or due to an issue in the salivary glands. Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free candies can help to promote saliva production.

Bad breath can also be caused by illness or infection. This infection may be in the mouth or it may be in the tonsils. Sinus infections or other conditions that cause post-nasal drip can also be contributors to the problem.

One of the best things to do if you have a problem with bad breath is to come to see your dental team at Library Park Dental. Don’t be ashamed to discuss this with us; we are here to help you!