Summary
Bad breath can be caused by poor oral hygiene, gum disease, dry mouth and a variety of other factors. Whilst maintaining good dental habits, staying hydrated and visiting your dentist regularly can help keep your breath fresh, if bad breath persists, it may indicate an underlying issue that requires professional attention.
Let’s face it, bad breath is something we’ve all worried about at some point. Whether it’s the morning-after a garlic-heavy dinner or a persistent smell that just won’t budge, it’s not only embarrassing, but can also be a signal that something more serious is going on.
While breath mints and chewing gum can offer a quick fix, they often just mask the issue. To tackle it properly, it’s important to understand what might be causing the problem in the first place.
Why Does My Breath Smell?
There are many potential causes of bad breath (or halitosis), and most of them start in the mouth. Common culprits include:
- Poor Oral Hygiene
If you’re not brushing and flossing thoroughly, food particles and bacteria can build up around your teeth, tongue and gums. This build-up produces an unpleasant smell and can eventually lead to gum disease or tooth decay. - Gum Disease
Persistent bad breath can be one of the earliest signs of gum disease. Caused by plaque buildup along the gum line, gum diseasecan create deep pockets where bacteria thrive, resulting in a lingering smell that brushing alone won’t solve. (professional gum disease treatment is required). - Dry Mouth
Saliva plays a big role in keeping your mouth clean by washing away bacteria. If your mouth is dry (due to medication, dehydration, or even sleeping with your mouth open), bacteria can multiply more quickly, leading to bad breath. - Infections or Tooth Decay
A dental abscess, decaying tooth, or infection in the gums or tonsils can all produce a strong, unpleasant odour. If your bad breath is accompanied by pain or swelling, it’s worth booking an appointment as soon as possible as you may need infected tooth treatment, like extraction or a root canal. - Diet and Lifestyle Habits
Foods like garlic, onions and coffee can all leave their mark, while an excessive amount of sugary snacks and smoking can also contributes to bad breath and can dry out the mouth. These lifestyle factors are often easy to spot and adjust.
Could It Be Something Else?
In some cases, persistent bad breath may point to an issue beyond the mouth. Conditions like acid reflux, sinus infections or even diabetes can sometimes affect how your breath smells.
If we suspect your bad breath isn’t caused by a dental issue, we may recommend a chat with your GP to rule out any underlying health concerns. That way, you’ll have a clearer idea of what’s going on and how to treat it effectively.
Tips to Keep Your Breath Fresh
If your breath could use a little refresh, try these oral health tips:
- Brush and floss twice daily to remove plaque and trapped food. Make sure you’re using the right toothbrush and toothpaste for your needs.
- Don’t forget your tongue! Use a tongue scraper or toothbrush to clean the surface of your tongue where bacteria can linger.
- Stay hydrated to keep saliva flowing and your mouth naturally clean.
- Cut down on sugary snacks and acidic drinks, which can feed bacteria.
- Visit your dentist regularly for routine check-ups and professional cleanings – especially if you’ve noticed a change in your breath.
When to Seek Help
If you’re brushing, flossing and staying hydrated but still struggling with bad breath, it’s time to get it checked out. Persistent halitosis may be a sign of something that needs more than just good hygiene, like gum disease or an infected tooth.
Our dentists and the Family Dental Clinic can help identify the root cause and put a plan in place to get your oral health (and your confidence) back on track.
Worried about bad breath that won’t go away?
To book yourself in for your routine hygiene appointment, contact our Chichester dental clinic today by calling 01243 771171.