Bad breath or also known as halitosis does not leave a good impression. It must be recognized that some people have foul breath due to genetics, and these people can develop ways with their doctor to prevent any such chronic illness. Bacteria in the mouth that produce odours are what cause bad breath. Bacteria build up on food particles left in your mouth and the spaces between your teeth when you don’t brush and floss. Your breath smells because of the sulphur compounds that these bacteria emit. Maintaining healthy teeth and gums while also enhancing your breath is simple.
What causes bad breath?
Although some substances, like coffee, cigarettes, garlic, and onions, are naturally acrid, dehydration and failing to clean your mouth regularly (by which we mean brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist for cleaning) are the main causes of actual foul breath. This is because the bacteria that cause foul breath thrive in dry conditions and multiply when our mouths are dry. Since oral bacteria aid in breaking down the proteins in our food, they are generally beneficial. However, they also release offensive sulphur, which is why routine cleaning is so important. A bigger issue, like gum disease, can be indicated by sudden and persistent bad breath. Make sure you’re going to your best dentist Edmonton regularly, in other words.
What are the ways to get rid of your bad breath?
- Brush and floss frequently – Bacteria that cause bad breath collect in plaque, the sticky accumulation on your teeth. Food that has been trapped makes things worse. At least twice a day, brush your teeth, and once a day, floss. Do both more frequently if you’re worried about your breath. Don’t go overboard, though. Too much brushing can wear down your teeth and leave them open to decay.
- Rinse your mouth out – A mouthwash makes your breath smell better and provides additional security by removing bacteria. A flavour like fresh mint may lift your spirits. But make sure the mouthwash you select eradicates the bacteria responsible for bad breath. Don’t merely mask the odour. Use a decent mouthwash to rinse daily to eliminate bad breath at the source. Before going to bed is the best time to do this. Swishing your mouth with plain water after eating might also aid your breath. Food particles that become lodged in your teeth can be removed with it.
- Clean off your tongue – Bacteria that produce foul odours can live in the layer that typically forms on your tongue. Brush your tongue gently with your toothbrush to get rid of them. Try using a scraper if your brush is too big to reach the back of your tongue comfortably. They are made precisely to push evenly across the tongue area’s surface. This removes bacteria, food particles, and dead cells that brushing by itself can’t handle.
- Eat less of the foods that cause breath odour – The worst culprits are onions and garlic. However, brushing your teeth afterward is ineffective. Your bloodstream carries the compounds that give them off-putting odours to your lungs, where you exhale them. What is the best strategy to solve the issue? At the very least, avoid eating them before going to work or seeing friends.
- Stop using tobacco – Smoking can harm your gums, discolour your teeth, and give you foul breath, in addition to causing cancer. The urge can be controlled with over-the-counter nicotine patches. Make an appointment with your doctor to discuss prescription drugs or quit-smoking programs that can help you quit smoking permanently if you feel like you need a little assistance.
- Instead of after-dinner mints, chew gum – Your oral microbes adore sugar. To make acid, they use it. Your teeth become worn down, and your breath becomes unpleasant. Instead, chew sugarless gum. Gum increases saliva production, the mouth’s natural defence against the acids in plaque that cause tooth decay and bad smell.
- Maintain good oral hygiene – Bad breath results from gum disease. An odour is produced when bacteria collect in pockets at the base of teeth. Your dentist might advise visiting a periodontist who specializes in treating gum disease if you have it.
- Go to the doctor – Make an appointment with your doctor if your bad breath persists despite your best efforts. They will determine whether a medical condition causes your issues.
- Keep hydrated – There are many benefits to staying hydrated, including healthy skin, hair, and bodily functions. Your breath is no exception. Because of those sulphurous bacteria, things get more stinking the drier your mouth is. Speaking of morning breath, here’s a tip for having a kissable morning breath when you wake up: drink a glass of water before going to sleep. Yes, it may cause you to wake up in the middle of the night to use the restroom, but it also allows you to rehydrate by taking a quick sip of water. It also adds the significant benefit of remaining hydrated round-the-clock, presuming you can quickly fall asleep again.
- Clean up your oral hardware – It’s crucial to keep dentures, aligners, and retainers clean because they can serve as a breeding ground for bacteria if worn all day (or just at night). Before each usage, brush them, clean them as directed by your doctor (or the product’s manufacturer), or think about investing in an ultrasonic cleaner.
An uncomfortable physical condition, bad breath can also be a major social turnoff, causing friends and acquaintances to shun you. The disease can harm your work relationships if it is not appropriately treated. Consult your doctor or dentist if the aforementioned remedies do not sufficiently relieve bad breath. They can determine the cause by performing a physical examination and by asking you a few questions.
Depending on the source of your foul breath, your doctor or dentist can help you permanently get rid of it. For instance, xerostomia requires artificial saliva preparations or a prescription for a medication that makes you salivate more. Call us at 780-484-3931 to book an appointment.
