Bad breath can be uncomfortable and sometimes even embarrassing. While it’s normal to have bad breath after eating certain foods or waking up in the morning, it can be concerning when it doesn’t go away. If you’ve been wondering how to get rid of bad breath, the first step is to understand what might be causing it.
Let’s discuss 7 potential reasons for persistent bad breath and how to address them.
1. Poor Oral Hygiene
The most recurring cause of chronic bad breath is failing to clean your mouth properly. When food debris is not removed, it combines with bacteria and produces a foul odour. Brushing twice daily, flossing once a day, and tongue cleaning can minimize bad breath.
Don’t forget to change your toothbrush now and then and rinse your mouth after eating to remove residual food. Regular cleaning also prevents cavities and gum problems.
2. Dry Mouth
Saliva contributes significantly to keeping your mouth clean. It removes food particles and regulates bacteria. If your mouth is dry often, it provides bacteria with more time to multiply, causing bad breath.
Common causes of dry mouth are:
- Certain medications
- Mouth breathing at night
- Dehydration
If you would like to get rid of chronic bad breath permanently, drinking plenty of water and chewing sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva can be helpful. Your dentist will also recommend saliva substitutes.
3. Gum Disease
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums that goes deeper. It occurs when plaque builds up and inflames the gums. This, with time, can produce small pockets where bacteria get trapped and produce a foul smell.
If you suspect gum disease to be the culprit, a dentist in Grande Prairie can examine your gums and recommend treatment options for the infection before it gets serious.
4. Food and Drink Options
Certain foods naturally lead to bad breath. Onions, garlic, coffee, and hot foods have pungent odours that linger. Even after you brush, the odours linger because they are transferred into your bloodstream and then released out of your lungs.
To decrease food-related breath problems:
- Rinse your mouth after eating
- Drink more water during the day
- Avoid strong-smelling foods if you’re worried about breath
Small dietary changes can help your breath and your overall oral health.
5. Smoking and Tobacco
Smoking not only causes bad breath but also stains teeth and increases the risk of gum disease. Tobacco reduces your ability to taste and smell, which may make it harder to notice your breath.
Stopping smoking is also one of the most successful ways to improve your oral health. It also decreases your risk of developing gum disease and mouth cancer. If it’s hard to stop, your dentist can refer you to local stop-smoking services.
6. Sinus or Throat Problems
Occasionally, bad breath originates in the nose, not the mouth. Foul-smelling breath can be caused by sinus infection, tonsillitis, or postnasal drip. These conditions enable mucus to accumulate in the back of your throat where bacteria can feed.
If your breath smells bad even when your mouth is clean, it could be associated with a health problem in your throat or nose. In this case, your doctor or dentist may suggest additional tests.
For individuals with chronic cases of bad breath, seeking bad breath treatment near you can assist you in determining whether the cause is dental or medical.
7. Underlying Health Conditions
Some health issues can result in chronic bad breath. Diabetes, acid reflux, and kidney or liver disease could cause a foul odour on your breath. In some situations, this sort of odorous breath might be an early indicator of a more significant issue.
If you’ve done everything and your bad breath doesn’t get better, it’s worth a conversation with a healthcare provider. Early treatment of these health issues can enhance your long-term health.
Daily Tips to Control Bad Breath
If you want to maintain fresh breath all day long, try these routines:
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss each day to clear food between teeth
- Scrub your tongue with a scraper or a brush
- Drink water repeatedly to stay hydrated
- Reduce foods that are notorious for having bad odours
- Chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva flow
- Go to your dentist for cleanings twice a year
These routines, if done regularly, can have a tremendous impact.
When to See a Dentist
If you’ve made changes to your routine but your breath still smells, it may be time to get professional help. Dentists can find the source of the problem and offer proper care to solve it.
For patients looking for halitosis treatment in Grande Prairie, a visit to the dentist will show whether gum infection, decay, or another cause is at fault. Treatment will vary based on what’s the cause but could be deep cleaning, adjustments to your routine hygiene, or treating dry mouth.
Need Help With Chronic Bad Breath?
If you have persistent breath issues and need a dentist in Grande Prairie or treatment for bad breath close to where you live, Northern Dental Centre is here for you. We will hear out your issues, examine your smile, and work with you toward the proper resolution to feel whole again.
Let bad breath become a thing of the past—contact us today and start down the path to a healthier smile.