Bad breath (or halitosis) is a common problem that is caused by the bacteria in the mouth. It can be caused by a variety of factors such as food, diet, smoking, and even gum disease. The dental experts at Smile On Mona Vale can offer many ways to manage and avoid bad breath.
It is important to understand the causes and habits that may be contributing to bad breath in order to find the best solution for your unique situation.
Bad Breath Causes
- Certain specific types of bacteria or fungi can proliferate in the mouth and cause bad breath, for example E. faecalis and C. albicans
- Sugar or carbohydrates that remain in the mouth after eating feed bacteria on teeth and gums. This produces acid which leads to bad breath
- Certain medications can cause dry mouth. This makes it difficult to produce saliva, which naturally cleanses the mouth of harmful bacteria and food particles
- Dentures or other dental appliances may trap food particles and bacteria inside them, which leads to bad breath
- Many diseases and illnesses can cause bad breath, including:
- Seasonal allergies
- Respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis
- Long-term (chronic) sinus infections
- Postnasal drip
- Diabetes
- Chronic acid reflux
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Chronic lung infection
- Gum disease causes bad breath – but it can also lead to other more serious health problems if left untreated, so it should be treated by your dentist as soon as possible
Dr Rick’s Top Tips for Beating Bad Breath
Keep it clean
The first and most important step to managing bad breath is to brush your teeth twice a day, with toothpaste that contains fluoride. You should also floss daily to get rid of food particles and plaque, which protects bacteria, in between the teeth. Seeing your dentist for a professional clean every 6 months is also important to make sure you aren’t missing any spots and to remove any hard build-up that cannot be removed with a toothbrush or floss.
Keep hydrated
The next thing you can do is to drink a lot of fluids, especially water. A good habit is to drink a glass of water after every meal to wash away food particles. Staying hydrated will also encourage your body to produce more saliva.
Watch what you eat
It’s important to eat a healthy diet consisting of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources, while minimising consumption of simple carbohydrates and sugars.
If you are having any concerns, please contact our friendly and experienced team today.