What causes bad breath?

interdental

A lot of us are concerned that we have bad breath, formerly known as halitosis, however you can usually treat this yourself.

Obviously regular and routine exams and hygiene appointments are imperative for good oral health.

How to know if you have bad breath

Some ways to tell if you have bad breath:

  • Lick the inside of your wrist, let it dry and sniff. If it smells bad, chances are your breath does too!
  • Look in the mirror at your tongue. A yellow or white-coated tongue can indicate you might have bad breath.
  • Ask a third party like a friend or loved one. You might not want to hear it, but better to know so you can fix it!

What are the causes of bad breath?

  1. Dry mouth:  Getting dehydrated impedes saliva production.
  2. Gingivitis and periodontal disease: This is the number one cause of bad breath that we see. It is often identified alongside a bad taste in the mouth.
  3. Inadequate oral hygiene: Bad breath can be caused by inadequate oral hygiene; not flossing daily or brushing at least twice per day.
  4. Garlic and onions: The oils from stinky foods like onions and garlic can be detected on the breath up to three days after consumption.
  5. Bad breath from the sinuses, mouth, or throat: Bad breath can be an indicator of an infection.
  6. Bad breath from the stomach: GERD, SIBO, Crohn’s Disease, and Celiac Disease can all be major players in causing bad breath.

Here’s what we recommend for treating bad breath:

  1. Start with the oral microbiome:  We’ve been conditioned to think we need to sterilize the mouth when it can actually be counterproductive for oral health overall! Discontinue anything you’re using that’s antibacterial, such as antibacterial mouthwash, or toothpaste, to purely mask bad breath.
  2. Add prebiotic and probiotic foods to your diet: You need both. Take a probiotic and Prebiotic supplement, for an easy option.
  3. Tongue scrape: First-time tongue scrapers may even see some blood come off the scraper and then later a yellow fluid.
  4. Stay hydrated: Hydration allows your mouth to produce saliva, maintain a moist environment in the mouth and maintain that critical balance of bacteria in the mouth.
  5. Supplement with digestive enzymes: Bad breath can come from the stomach and taking digestive enzymes can help with this.
  6. Brush up on your flossing technique: If you aren’t flossing, you’re not removing bad breath causing plaque and bacteria from 30% of the surfaces of the teeth.

Our clinicians can provide you with lots of useful advice and help support you in maintaining good oral health. Contact the practice to book in for your routine check up and/ or hygiene appointment:

Contact – The Parks

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