Why Do I Have Bad Breath?

We’ve all been there – you’re talking to your friends and enjoying your time together when suddenly, you realise you have bad breath. Cue the frantic hunt for chewing gum or a mint. Sometimes referred to as halitosis, this unpleasant odour is caused by a number of factors. There is also a possibility that it is a sign of underlying dental issues.

What are the causes of bad breath?

Why does my breath smell? This odour can be attributed to numerous sources:

• Poor oral hygiene: Neglecting to brush your teeth and floss means food particles and bacteria remain trapped in your mouth, leading to bad breath.
• Diet: Food and drink high in sugar leave behind an odour, alongside spicy and strong-smelling foods such as garlic and onion. Crash diets are another cause.
• Smoking: Not only does the smell of tobacco linger on your breath, but this habit additionally increases plaque build-up and dries out the mouth.
• Dry mouth: Known as xerostomia, dry mouth is a condition that means you produce less saliva, which in turn may cause your breath to smell bad.
• Health conditions: Certain types of cancers and their corresponding treatments are recognised to negatively impact how your breath smells. Other health conditions include diabetes, liver disease, tonsil stones and tonsillitis.
• Medications: Many medications contribute to dry mouth.

Is my bad breath a result of an underlying dental issue?

Gum disease can play a large role in how your breath smells, thanks to the build-up of plaque along the teeth and gum line. If you have gaps between your teeth or crookedness, food is more likely to become trapped, prompting bad breath. This is fixed with clear aligners and fixed braces for teeth, alongside Nanofill Composite Bonding®. Did you know? Certain treatments including wisdom tooth extraction have the ability to cause bad breath while the wound heals. Furthermore, if a tooth is infected or has a cavity, you may also experience a nasty odour. Consult with a dentist to discuss fillings, root canals and other potential procedures. There is no need to feel embarrassed at all.

How can I get rid of my bad breath?

Maintaining good oral hygiene is one of the easiest ways you can manage this issue. Brush twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste, floss and incorporate an antibacterial mouthwash into your daily routine. Don’t forget to gently scrape your tongue – this will help remove any lingering bacteria. Use sugar-free mints or chewing gum to keep your breath smelling fresh in-between meals and drink plenty of water to avoid the formation of dry mouth. In addition to this, remember to visit your dentist for regular check-ups and hygienist appointments for a deeper clean, such as GBT. What should I avoid doing to get rid of my bad breath? Cut out smoking and try not to consume too many sugary food or drinks. After brushing your teeth, do not rinse your mouth immediately with water – this may dilute some of the fluoride. Do not forget to clean your bacteria-harbouring dentures, braces or retainers either. Conclusion: It is likely that you will have bad breath from time to time. However, if the odour does not go away, please book an appointment with your dentist or doctor, as there may be a more serious issue at hand. Need an oral health check-up? Contact us at Yorkshire Dental Suite today.