What’s That Smell? Is That My Breath?

Have you ever had a conversation where you were talking closely with someone and thought to yourself that the other person’s breath was terrible? That person was a victim of bad breath and, more likely than not, it has happened to you too. Bad breath, or halitosis, can be embarrassing and, in some cases, may cause anxiety. It’s the reason that store shelves are stocked full of gum, mints, mouthwashes and other products designed to fight bad breath. Many of these products are only temporary measures because they don’t address the cause of the problem. Continue reading to discover the causes of bad breath and how you can solve the problem once and for all.

Causes of Bad Breath

Most bad breath starts in your mouth. These are some possible causes of common and chronic bad breath:

• Poor Dental Hygiene – If you don’t brush and floss daily, the combination of the bacteria and decaying food in your mouth produces an unpleasant odor. Your tongue can also trap bacteria that produces odors. Bad breath can also be a problem if you wear dentures and don’t clean them every night. 
• Strong Foods and Beverages – Eating certain foods such as onions, garlic, and spices can cause bad breath. The breakdown of food particles in and around your teeth can increase bacteria and cause a foul odor. Drinking beverages such as coffee can also contribute to bad breath.
• Dry Mouth – A condition called dry mouth can contribute to bad breath because the production of saliva is decreased. Dry mouth naturally occurs during sleep, leading to “morning breath” and worsens if you sleep with your mouth open or snore. Saliva helps cleanse your mouth, removing particles that cause bad odors.
• Tobacco Use – Whether it’s cigarettes, chewing tobacco, vaping, or a pipe, they all cause bad breath and can lead to much more serious oral health issues. Aside from leaving your mouth smelling like an ashtray, they damage the gum tissues and cause gum disease.

Tips to Improve Bad Breath

Here are some helpful tips to avoid bad breath:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day
• Avoid tobacco products
• Rinse and gargle with mouthwash before bed
• If you have dry mouth, be sure to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day
• Visit your dentist regularly

Bad breath can be a sign of physical health conditions, but it also affects your confidence to express yourself comfortably in social situations. Make sure to let us know if you start to experience bad breath so we can address the root cause. We look forward to seeing you in our West Chester, OH location soon.