Bad Breath Cures

Got bad breath? Bad breath- or halitosis- is an unpleasant condition that can cause embarrassment.  Whether it’s you or your friends that notice your bad breath, there might be a way to fix the problem.                 

Brushing and flossing is key in preventing and curing bad breath. If you don’t do this, food debris collects around your teeth and gums.  These accumulations collect bacteria and can begin rotting, causing a foul odor.                 

The phrase "you are what you eat" is especially true when it comes to your breath.  Certain foods like garlic, onions and curry are going to give you bad breath, no question.  So try to avoid these foods if you don’t want bad breath.  After eating, the food is absorbed into your bloodstream, where it enters your lungs and is expelled.  After eating something stinky, brushing, flossing and mouthwash will only temporarily mask the odor.  So your bad breath will continue until the body eliminates the food completely.               

Bad breath can be a sign of periodontal disease (gum disease).  Periodontal disease is caused by the build-up of plaque and calculus (tarter). The bacteria in the plaque release toxins, which cause irritation to your gums.                

Smoking tobacco causes bad breath, along with stained teeth.  Smokers are more likely to suffer from periodontal disease.  So the additive effects of smoking and periodontal disease can lead to bad breath.               

Dry mouth, also called xerostomia, is when there is a decrease in saliva flow.  Saliva is necessary to cleanse the mouth and help remove food particles. Dry mouth can be caused by many different diseases and medications.  Dentists can prescribe artificial saliva or recommend sugarless gums and candies to increase saliva.           

Bad breath is not always an oral problem.  Many medical conditions can also cause bad breath.  These disorders can include respiratory tract infections, diabetes, gastrointestinital disturbances, chronic sinusitis, kidney or liver problems.   If your dentist deems your mouth healthy then they may recommend you see your primary care physician to determine if there are any underlying conditions that are causing your bad breath.               

To curb your bad breath, good oral hygiene and health is essential.  It is important to visit your dentist to control or eliminate periodontal disease and to make sure your mouth is healthy.  Regular dental visits and cleanings are key.  If food seems to be the problem, write down everything you eat for a week and note whether you have bad breath each day. 

At home make sure towith fluoride toothpaste and floss once a day. If you wear dentures, take them out at night. Before putting them back in, in the morning, clean them.  Mouthwashes only mask the odor temporarily, however your dentist maybe able to prescribe an antimicrobial mouthwash.

If bad breath is a concern, make an appointment with your dentist to determine the cause.