Do you suffer from bad breath? Are you embarrassed to speak up in meetings or social situations because of it? If so, don’t worry – you’re not alone. Bad breath is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of factors, such as poor oral hygiene, diet, and even certain medical conditions. In this blog post, we will discuss five ways to get rid of bad breath and improve your oral health!

What is Bad Breath?

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a condition characterized by unpleasant-smelling breath. Everyone gets bad breath from time to time — especially after eating garlic, onions or other strong foods. But bad breath that doesn’t go away (chronic halitosis) could mean you have an oral health issue or a condition that’s affecting another part of your body. Cleveland Clinic explains that halitosis is a symptom of many different conditions. In other words, it’s like a warning message from your body. Finding the root cause of halitosis is the first step in treating the issue.

Causes of Bad Breath

There are many different causes of bad breath, but the most common cause is poor oral hygiene. When you don’t brush and floss your teeth regularly, food particles and bacteria build up in your mouth, causing plaque and tartar to form on your teeth. This can lead to gum disease, which is a major cause of halitosis. Other causes can include:

• Dry mouth: Also known as xerostomia, dry mouth is a condition that occurs when there is not enough saliva in your mouth. Saliva is important because it helps to cleanse your mouth and remove food particles and bacteria. Dry mouth can be caused by certain medications, cancer treatments, diabetes, and smoking.
• Food: Certain foods, such as garlic, onions, and spicy foods, can cause bad breath. This is because they contain sulfur compounds that are released into your bloodstream and then exhaled through your lungs.
• Smoking: Cigarette smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals, many of which are toxic. These chemicals are absorbed into your bloodstream and exhaled through your lungs, causing halitosis.
• Medical conditions: Halitosis can also be a symptom of certain medical conditions, such as sinus infections, bronchitis, diabetes, and GERD.

5 Ways to Get Rid of Bad Breath

1. Practice good oral hygiene.

The best way to prevent bad breath is to practice good oral hygiene. This means brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and using mouthwash. Be sure to brush your tongue as well — this will help remove bacteria that can cause halitosis. It’s also important to see your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups.

2. Quit smoking.

If you smoke cigarettes, the best thing you can do for your oral health — and your overall health — is to quit. In addition to causing halitosis, smoking also increases your risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancer.

3. Drink plenty of water.

Drinking plenty of water is important for overall health, but it’s also helpful in preventing bad breath. When you’re properly hydrated, your mouth produces more saliva, which helps to cleanse your mouth and remove food particles and bacteria.

4. Avoid foods that cause bad breath.

If certain foods are causing your bad breath, try to avoid them. This includes garlic, onions, and spicy foods.

5. See your dentist.

If you’re struggling with bad breath that doesn’t go away, it’s important to see your dentist. They will be able to evaluate your oral health and determine the cause of your halitosis. Once the cause is determined, they can provide treatment to help you get rid of the smell for good.

If you’re struggling with halitosis, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist. They can help you determine the cause of your halitosis and provide treatment to help you get rid of it.

Professional Treatments for Bad Breath

If you’re struggling with halitosis, your dentist can provide professional treatments to help. Treatments for halitosis depend on the underlying cause. For example, if gum disease is the cause of your halitosis, your dentist may recommend a deep cleaning or other periodontal treatment. If dry mouth is the cause, they may recommend a saliva substitute or special mouthwash. In some cases, your dentist may refer you to a doctor for treatment of a medical condition that’s causing bad breath.

Beat Bad Breath with Mountain Aire Dentistry

Don’t let bad breath take over your life — there are treatments available to help you get rid of it. If you’re struggling with halitosis, contact Mountain Aire Dentistry to schedule an appointment. We can evaluate your oral health and provide the treatment you need to get rid of bad breath.