Bad breath can really bring down our self-esteem. It is a cause for embarrassment, especially when we are unaware of it. Bad breath, however, can easily be avoided and is a problem with quite straightforward and simple solutions. In order to determine ways to eliminate bad breath, we first need to take a look at its causes.

Causes of Bad Breath

Food and Drinks

Eating is something we all enjoy, and indulging in different flavors makes the experience even better. While adding the extra spice may elevate the culinary experience, some ingredients may cause temporary bad breath. 

Strong flavors like garlic or onions can definitely leave a stinging scent in your mouth. Drinks like coffee or alcohol can also cause bad breath. 

Don’t worry, though, and definitely don’t miss out on indulging in food, as there are quick solutions to these problems. Bad breath from food can be solved simply by brushing after a meal or chewing on sugar-free gum. You can even opt to take mouthwash with you to gargle away the strong scents. 

Smoking Tobacco

It would be quite surprising if someone actually loved the smell of cigarette smoke. Smoking tobacco is a popular relaxation activity despite it being harmful. But the vice leaves a very undesirable smell that can be picked up even if you are a couple of feet away. Whether it be a cigarette or through whatever means, smoking tobacco doesn’t get any different and will always have an unpleasant smell.

Besides the obvious negative effects it can have on your health, smoking tobacco also harms your teeth and your breath. Over time, teeth get stained because of continuous tobacco usage and can even get infected. It can also irritate your gums and cause oral cancer. If that’s not enough, just read the label on cigarette packs — they’ll tell you more about the harmful effects of smoking.

Quitting tobacco smoking is definitely not an easy task, but the breath problem can be solved by having sugar-free mints with you or brushing regularly. These can help dampen the smell brought about by tobacco smoking. 

Bacteria

Food particles stay in our mouths after a meal. Sugary foods most especially help the bacteria population grow in our mouths. Not only do bacteria weaken our teeth and create cavities, but they can also leave us with bad breath. Bacteria can build-up quickly in our mouths and leave a very pungent smell if we don’t practice proper oral hygiene. 

Make sure to brush your teeth after meals and floss regularly to eliminate food particles in your mouth and in between your teeth. This simple act can prevent bacteria from multiplying and finding their homes in our mouths. It’s also a good measure to visit your dentist at least twice a year to get that deep cleaning and check up on your oral needs. 

Dry Mouth

Just think of all the times you woke up with morning breath, which is the result of dry mouth. This happens especially when you breathe through your mouth while sleeping and cause saliva to dry up. 

An easy remedy for this is keeping your hydration in check and drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day. It’s important to note, though, that sometimes, dry mouth can be caused by underlying health concerns. Consult your dentist to help with dry mouth if it comes more often than it should. 

Disease and Infections 

Certain diseases and infections can cause bad breath, such as:

• Tonsillitis
• Sinus infections
• Respiratory infections
• Diabetes

While bad breath is often seen as negative, it can be an indication that these infections or diseases are occurring in your body. Consult with your doctor if and when the side effects become problematic for you.

Besides these health concerns, another thing that causes a very pungent stench is teeth infection. When a tooth decays, it will emit a foul odor that’s beyond simple bad breath. Besides a smell that the nose cannot tolerate, it will also cause toothache. Visit your dentist regularly to help avoid tooth infection and decay. 

Taking Care of Your Teeth is the Best Preventive Measure and Cure

Overall, bad breath is easy to avoid and get rid of. Keeping your oral hygiene in check is advertised for a reason. Brushing and flossing regularly, as well as seeing your dentist at least twice a year can improve your overall oral health. By practicing proper oral hygiene, bad breath and other oral diseases won’t be one of your worries.