Getting to the Bottom of Bad Breath: Causes and Treatments

Causes of Bad Breath

Beyond the usual culprits like onions, bad breath can be caused by several factors beyond your food choices. In many cases, bad breath results from the bacteria that naturally live in your mouth. These bacteria feed on the sugars and starches you eat and produce that familiar “bad breath” smell as a byproduct.

In addition to bacteria, having a dry mouth can also lead to bad breath. Saliva serves as a natural “mouth rinse” by helping to remove small food particles. If you’re not producing enough saliva, these particles remain, attracting bad-breath-causing bacteria.

There are also more serious causes of bad breath. If it doesn’t go away with regular dental hygiene and rinsing your mouth after meals, it could be a sign of gum disease.

Best Bad Breath Remedies

Although there are many causes of bad breath, there are also plenty of solutions! Some ways to fight bad breath include:

• Practice good dental hygiene – Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day can significantly reduce the bacteria that cause bad breath.
• Clean your tongue regularly – Your tongue can harbor bacteria that cause bad breath. While practicing regular dental hygiene, don’t forget your tongue! Use a toothbrush or a tongue scraper to remove lingering bacteria.
• Keep your mouth hydrated – If you often experience dry mouth, make it a habit to drink more water or eat healthy foods that require more chewing, like apples or spinach. You can also try chewing sugar-free gum to help generate more saliva.

In addition to practicing good dental hygiene and keeping your mouth hydrated, it’s important to visit our office at least twice a year for a thorough dental cleaning to help eliminate bacteria. We can also check for any serious causes of bad breath, such as gum disease, that may require immediate treatment. If you’re struggling with bad breath, book an appointment with our office today!