Bad Breath
Bad Breath
Halitosis will affect approximately 25% of the population at one time or another. Usually, it is lingering morning breath or it can be chronic. It has a number of causes.
Causes And Solutions For Bad Breath
- Diet – What we eat affects how our breath smells. Low carbohydrate diets like keto force the body to burn fat as its main energy source. This results in an acetone-like odour in our breath. Of course, strong flavours like onions and garlic cause high sulphur compounds that can last for up to two days. If your diet includes strong spices, you may have other issues. Even coffee can result in bad breath. We recommend brushing your teeth, flossing and using mouthwash as soon as practical after eating. Sugar-free gum may also help.
- Dry Mouth – Xerostomia is when your mouth does not produce sufficient saliva to wash the bacteria that are forming. This can be the result of a salivary gland issue or the result of a medication or a medical condition. We recommend that you sip on water throughout the day. You may also want to include sugar-free lozenges or gum to stimulate the production of saliva.
- Medical Conditions – Some medications can cause the body to produce an unappealing odour. Be sure to tell your dentist about all medications and over-the-counter products that you take and any medical conditions that affect your body. In that way, the dental staff can better advise you toward a pleasant smelling breath.
- Tobacco Products – Those individuals who use tobacco are more likely to experience gum disease and tooth decay.
- Hygiene – Plaque can form and accumulate on teeth, which irritates the gums. The tongue is made up of lots of grooves, crevices and pores that can trap food particles and form bacteria. Maintaining good oral hygiene at home and visiting the dentist regularly can help avoid bad breath.
