Bad breath, which is also called halitosis, can cause you to feel insecure in social situations. It can make important outings like dates and business meetings hard to get through since you may feel uncomfortable smiling and laughing. Knowing what can cause bad breath is a good way to narrow down what’s causing it. Read on to learn about six of the most common causes of halitosis as well as five things you can do to get rid of it.
6 Common Causes of Bad Breath
There is a range of things that can cause halitosis. Along with acid reflux, certain kinds of cancer, and metabolic disorders, a few of the most common culprits include:
- Food – When food particles break down in your mouth, this can increase bacteria and cause a foul odor. Foods like onions and garlic can also cause bad breath since they enter your bloodstream after they’re digested and are carried to your lungs.
- Tobacco products – Smoking causes a range of oral health issues, including an unpleasant mouth odor. It also raises your chances of developing gum disease, which is another source of halitosis.
- Poor oral hygiene – If you don’t brush twice and floss once daily, food particles stay in your mouth and cause your breath to smell bad. This can also lead to gum disease.
- Dry mouth – When you aren’t producing enough saliva, which helps wash away the bacteria that cause halitosis, this can lead to “morning breath.”
- Medications – Some medicines contribute to dry mouth, and others break down in the body and release chemicals that cause your breath to smell bad.
- Infections – If a surgical wound in the mouth becomes infected, you have a decayed tooth, or you’ve developed gum disease, this can give your breath a foul odor.
5 Ways to Get Rid of It
Fortunately, there are several ways to get rid of bad breath, including:
- Oral hygiene – Brush twice each day for two minutes and floss before you go to bed to remove plaque, bacteria, and food particles.
- Stay hydrated – Drink plenty of water to counteract prevent dry mouth.
- Use mouthwash – This can irritate oral tissues, which may end up exacerbating the issue. Instead, add a few drops of peppermint oil to a glass of water and gargle the concoction for a quick freshen-up.
- Visit the dentist – Attend biannual checkups so you can have your mouth cleaned and examined for issues that may be causing your halitosis.
- Eat (and drink) well – Don’t consume onions, garlic, and other foods that can lead to bad breath. Cut back on sweets, which increase your risk of cavities. Eat and drink things that can freshen up your breath, such as spearmint, cinnamon, green and black tea, yogurt, apples, pears, celery, cucumbers, carrots, melon, and berries.
As you can see, there are many ways that you can combat halitosis. With good oral hygiene, a healthy diet, and visits to your dentist every six months, you’re breath will smell fresh and clean in no time!
About the Practice
Is bad breath getting you down? Smile Care Family Dentistry offers a range of services that can help you alleviate halitosis and start feeling more confident in your smile. preventive services like checkups and cleanings can help freshen up your breath, and thorough oral exams can discover health issues that may be causing the odor. Before you know it, your breath will smell fresh and funk-free! To make an appointment with Smile Care Family Dentistry or for more information on their service offerings, call their office at (757) 498-6420 or visit their website.