Everyone gets bad breath now and then. If you eat a garlic or onion-rich meal, chances are you’re going to be smelling it until you brush your teeth. But if your bad breath – called halitosis – doesn’t go away, or you get it frequently, you may have chronic halitosis. It could be due to poor oral hygiene, or it could signal something else entirely. It could be due to a dry mouth, heartburn, or a medical condition somewhere else in your body.
Halitosis is very common, affecting 1 in 4 people, with a recent study finding over 30% of the population suffers from it. But whether it’s a short term problem, or something you struggle with all the time, it can negatively affect your life in many ways. So what’s at the root of it?
The most common cause of halitosis is poor oral hygiene. Without good oral hygiene, like brushing, flossing and regular dental cleanings, harmful bacteria multiplies in your mouth. And it doesn’t stop at bad breath, it can cause cavities and gum disease as well.
Other oral health issues that can affect your breath are:
- deep cavities;
- dry mouth, which can be made worse by smoking;
- coating of food and bacteria on the back of the tongue;
- severe gum disease.
Illnesses:
Sometimes the bacteria that cause bad breath can grow in the sinuses or tonsils when they are swollen, if you have an infection or other inflammation. If you have an infection in your tonsils, you can develop tonsil stones, which can cause bad breath. And digestive issues, such as gastric reflux or ulcers, can cause bad breath, and diabetes and liver or kidney failure can as well.
Medications:
Certain medications can cause halitosis too. Medications such as acetaminophen and some allergy medicines and chemotherapy treatments have been known to cause issues.
How to Control Halitosis
Since it all starts in the mouth, the best place to start is with your oral hygiene routine. It could be a simple fix. Start with making sure that you are:
- brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste;
- cleaning between your teeth daily with floss or another product made for this, like tiny brushes, picks, or water flossers.
In addition, you may want to add a good oral rinse to your routine. Make sure and choose products with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. as they have been designed to meet ADA Seal standards for safety and efficacy.
Monitor your diet as well, both food and drink. Avoid “stinky” foods, like onions and garlic, and limit the amount of coffee and alcoholic beverages you consume. And make sure and drink lots of water. If you feel like you need a refresher in the day, you can use sugarless gum or candies in between brushing to help keep your mouth moist.
If you’re still concerned, please talk to Dr. Scott about the issue. If he doesn’t think the problem is a dental one, he may suggest a conversation with your doctor.
