Bad breath or also known as halitosis is characterized by the unpleasant smell that is coming out from the mouth. This can occur by occasion, or worse, it could be chronic for others. Bad breath can happen if you don’t take care of your oral health or it could also be a sign of other health problems.

In this article, we will be breaking down the causes and treatment for bad breath.

Causes

Some causes of bad breath include the following:

1. Food

One of the primary sources of bad breath. Foods such as garlic, onions, spicy foods and other types of spices, acidic beverages could also leave a lingering smell. When food gets stuck on your teeth, it can promote bacteria which could cause bad breath as well.

2. Smoking

This can leave chemicals that will remain in your mouth. Smoking can also lead to other serious issues such as gum disease or oral cancers.

3. Dry Mouth

Saliva helps moisten and cleanse the mouth. When the body does not produce enough saliva, this can result to bad breath.

4. Mouth Infections

Some examples of mouth infections are cavities, decayed teeth or gum disease that may cause bad breath in a person’s mouth.

5. Poor Oral Health

When a person does not brush their teeth regularly, this can result to halitosis. The remaining food that you took in could cause plaque build up and will create an odor itself.

Treatment

What do you have to do once you start to realize you have bad breath?

1. Drink Water

Do not just simply drink water, drink lots of water. This helps the moisture in our mouth and stimulates the production of saliva. Another thing is that water can wash away the remaining food particles and bacteria from the food that you just ate.

2. Practice Good Oral Hygiene

This is one of the key to fight bad breath. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day could help. You can also use a tongue scraper then rinse with some mouthwash. Don’t forget to floss! It helps get rid of other food particles that could be stuck in between your teeth.

3. See Your Dentist

If your bad breath bothers you and your everyday living, then it’s time to see your dentist. He or she will conduct some cleaning and will be able to detect what type of treatment they can give you. It’s always best to see your dentist regularly, not only for your teeth, but also for your gums and tongue.

Treating bad breath can be done alone with some over the counter mouthwashes, but it is always best to seek professional help from your dentist.

For your inquiries and concerns, contact us today! You can also visit our dental clinic in Manila, Calasiao and Lingayen!