At some point in our lives we all experience bad breath. There are many reasons as to what might be causing this. Certain foods such as garlic and onions can cause an unpleasant odour, however these are usually only short lived. Brushing and mouthwash may help mask the smell but only once it is out of your system the odour will go away. If you experience persistent bad breath, it may be an indicator that you need to seek an advice from a dentist. Common causes include:
Inadequate oral hygiene
If you don’t brush or floss daily, food can get stuck between your teeth. This causes a growth of bacteria which will create an odour in the mouth, and it is unpleasant. Brushing for 2 minutes twice a day and flossing will help remove the bacteria causing the odour.
On top of that, using a tongue scraper can be helpful improving your breath as well, as bacteria will not only grow on teeth but also on the tongue. Also, make an appointment for dental hygiene to ensure your condition does not cause further complications such gingivitis and periodontitis.
Medical conditions
Another main cause of bad breath is a condition called dry mouth. Dry mouth can be caused by certain medications, alcohol and stress. Some remedies to help with the dryness is to chew sugar free gum which will help build up saliva and wash away any food particles around the mouth, limit your caffeine, drink plenty of water, avoid mouth rinses that contain alcohol and try breathing through your nose.
Dental issues
It is also recommended to visit your dentist regularly for check-ups to ensure there are no other serious conditions going on such as periodontal disease or cavities.
We all experience it at some stage in our life, so don’t be embarrassed by it. If you are unsure what might be the cause of your bad breath, book an appointment with one of our clinicians for a comprehensive examination.