Struggling with persistent bad breath? Wondering why brushing alone isn’t working? Learn the top causes of halitosis and proven dentist-approved solutions to keep your breath fresh all day!
Halitosis, the medical term for bad breath, affects millions of people worldwide and often has a significant impact on people’s daily lives, affecting their overall confidence and leading to people avoiding social situations or intimate relationships. Nearly half the population believes that people with bad breath are less likely to be promoted at work, according to a survey by the BBC in the United Kingdom.
Have you ever wondered why bad breath lingers despite brushing? Well, here is everything you need to know about treating this condition and preventing it from affecting you.
Top Causes of Bad Breath & How to Get Rid of Halitosis Fast
Poor Oral Hygiene (How to Fix it: Brush and floss twice a day and get a professional teeth cleaning every 6 months)
The most prevalent cause of bad breath is poor oral hygiene. Not brushing or flossing daily leads to an accumulation of food particles and bacteria in your mouth, resulting in excessive plaque buildup and bad odours. Remember, every time you eat food, you are feeding the bacteria in your mouth as well as yourself. It is important to remove all of these food particles, including from the harder-to-reach areas between the teeth and under your gums.
Smoking, Vaping, and Tobacco Use (How to Fix it: Reduce tobacco consumption or quit altogether)
Frequent tobacco use often introduces unpleasant odours in your mouth and encourages the growth of foul-smelling bacteria. The lingering chemicals from tobacco in the mouth and lungs lead to a persistent smell that is hard to remove. Tobacco use is also one of the largest risk factors for developing gum disease. This condition causes irreparable damage to gum tissue and creates pockets where bacteria accumulate. It is incredibly difficult to remove the bacteria from damaged gums, often requiring professional intervention every 3 months at your dentist or dental hygienist.
Diet and Lifestyle Choices (How to Fix it: Limit alcohol and consumption of strong-smelling foods like onions, garlic, and fish)
Your diet and lifestyle choices also play a large contributing factor to bad breath. Certain foods like garlic, onions, and coffee contribute to strong odours. Regular consumption of alcohol also plays a large role. Have you ever noticed your morning breath after a night out at the club?
Dry Mouth (How to Fix it: Stay hydrated, use sugar-free gum, and avoid alcohol-based mouthwash)
Dry mouth is a significant contributing factor to bad breath. Your saliva contains antibacterial properties and helps protect your teeth and gums from harmful bacteria. However, when your saliva flow is reduced, bacteria are free to wreak havoc in your mouth and create bad odours. Dry mouth is often caused by dehydration, including alcohol-induced dehydration, and medications.
Medical Conditions (How to Fix it: Seek professional medical advice from your dentist or GP)
Medical conditions such as diabetes, acid reflux, and sinus infections, to name a few, can also lead to bad breath. However, the number of people suffering from halitosis as a result of medical conditions is estimated to be fewer than 10% of the population.
The Most Effective Ways to Treat Bad Breath
Improving Your Oral Hygiene
The best way to get rid of bad breath is by improving your oral hygiene: brush twice a day, floss daily, and get professional teeth cleanings every six months.
This is the fastest and most effective way to treat bad breath. Brush twice a day for two minutes, ideally with an electric toothbrush, and use interdental cleaning tools to clean between your teeth and under your gums. This can be dental floss, interdental brushes, or sticks. The key is finding something you are comfortable using. Using floss or interdental brushes, even occasionally, is far better than skipping it altogether.
When plaque builds up in your mouth and calcifies into tartar, it is incredibly difficult to remove and often requires professional teeth cleaning. It is recommended to have a professional teeth cleaning every 6 months to maintain your oral health.
Stay Hydrated
To prevent dry mouth, drink plenty of water throughout the day to maintain adequate saliva production and help reduce bacteria in your mouth.
Ensure you drink plenty of water throughout the day to prevent dry mouth and maintain adequate saliva production to help reduce the bacteria in your mouth.
See Your Dentist Every 6 Months
Visit your dentist every six months for check-ups to catch issues like cavities, decay, or gum disease early and maintain fresh breath.
Cavities or decay in your teeth can cause food to get stuck, leading to the collection of bacteria in cavities that contribute to bad breath. Be sure to see your dentist regularly for check-ups to avoid this.
When to See a Dentist – Signs It Could Be Something More Serious
If bad breath persists despite good oral hygiene and hydration, it may indicate an underlying issue with your oral health that requires professional intervention. Conditions like gum disease, oral infections, and tooth decay need to be ruled out. Schedule an appointment with your dentist to catch any potential issues early. Prevention is always better than a cure, especially in the case of gum disease, which, once developed, is irreversible. Regular dental check-ups help catch problems early, ensuring your breath stays fresh and your oral health remains in top condition.
Conclusion
Bad breath can have many causes and even be a sign of a more serious problem. Start by flossing and cleaning your teeth regularly. If you’ve never flossed before—or maybe haven’t been consistent with it—expect your gums to bleed for 1-2 weeks when you begin. It’s perfectly normal to have bleeding gums initially, as this is your body’s way of signaling a problem. If the bleeding persists for longer than 2 weeks, contact your dental professional for advice. Everyone’s oral health needs are different, so it’s essential to find a routine that works for your specific condition. Fillings and crowns between your teeth can trap plaque and encourage bacterial build-up, so always check with your dental professional about the best products for your mouth.
Are you looking for professional help? Book a consultation today to get personalised advice from a cosmetic dentist in London!