We’re all guilty of bad breath when we first wake up in the morning. But, for some people, that bad breath can persist throughout the day or suddenly arise at random times. This problem, also known as halitosis, can be uncomfortable and embarrassing, so you want to know how to treat it.

First, let’s look at some of the most common causes of bad breath.

Poor oral hygiene

The most common cause of bad breath is when people simply don’t brush often enough or well enough. To avoid halitosis, it’s important to brush your teeth twice a day to get rid of all the food debris and bacteria and to prevent the build-up of plaque. For even better oral hygiene, you can also brush your tongue gently and use dental floss in between your teeth.

Dry mouth

A condition called xerostomia, commonly referred to as dry mouth, also causes bad breath. In a healthy mouth, our saliva helps to rinse away food debris and bacteria, like a natural cleanse. When saliva levels are reduced, as with xerostomia, this does not occur, leading to bad breath.

Your diet

What you eat and drink can also affect your breath. You’re probably familiar with the strong smell after someone’s eaten garlicky food. Diuretic drinks like coffee and alcohol can also lead to bad breath because they cause your mouth to dry out. If a diet is high in sugar or protein, or if you simply don’t eat enough or go for long periods without eating, then bad breath is likely to occur.

Oral health conditions

If you develop a serious oral health condition, such as gum disease or an infection, then bad breath is usually one of the resulting symptoms. Make sure you take proper care of your teeth and gums and see your dentist about bad breath so they can assess whether it is a sign of something more serious.

Smoking

Regular smokers not only have the smell of cigarette smoke on their breath, but smoking can also lead to other causes of bad breath, including gum disease. Quitting smoking will significantly improve your oral health, along with other aspects of your health.

If you’re experiencing bad breath and aren’t sure why, then book an appointment to visit us at Advance Family Dental. We can assess your oral health and determine the best way to treat your halitosis. Contact us to book an appointment or find out more about our pain-free dentistry.