Halitosis, commonly known as bad breath, can be a huge source of embarrassment and discomfort. It affects social interaction and your overall confidence. The condition is quite common as approximately 1 in 4 people worldwide suffer from it. If you are struggling with persistent bad breath, a few practical tips from our North Vancouver dentists can help you.
What Causes Bad Breath?
Several factors contribute to bad breath and understanding them is the first step in effectively treating the condition. Some common causes are:
Bacteria
There are over 700 different species of bacteria in the human mouth, and they serve various roles in the oral ecosystem. Bacteria on the back of the tongue can mingle with leftover food in the mouth and produce waste products that cause bad breath.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Poor oral hygiene is possibly the most common cause of bad breath. Inadequate brushing and flossing lead to a build-up of food particles in the mouth. This buildup causes an increase in the growth of odour causing bacteria.
Gum Disease
Gum diseases, such as periodontitis and gingivitis, cause excessive plaque buildup in the mouth, resulting in bad breath. Gum disease can also lead to infection and inflammation which contributes to unpleasant odours.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a condition that occurs when the salivary glands do not produce enough saliva. Saliva helps to keep the mouth clean by washing away particles left by food. Without this, these particles could accumulate and cause bad breath. It also helps to protect teeth by keeping the mouth moist.
Medical Conditions
Gum disease is not the only condition that could cause bad breath. In several cases, health issues such as sinus infections, tonsilitis, acid reflux, diabetes, and kidney problems have been found to contribute to bad breath.
Smoking and Tobacco Use
Smoking and tobacco not only stains teeth but also causes bad breath. Chemicals in cigarettes and tobacco cause the number of good bacteria in the mouth to decrease. As a result, the disease-causing bacteria go unchecked leading to increased foul odours in the mouth.
Tips for Maintaining Fresh Breath
Dealing with bad breath requires a proactive approach. By implementing these seven simple strategies, you can effectively minimize unpleasant odours and keep your breath fresh.
- Practice good oral hygiene: The first step to having fresh breath is sticking with a proper routine for your oral care. Brush teeth at least twice a day for at least 2 minutes. Be sure to use fluoride toothpaste and floss to complete the routine.
- Clean your tongue: The back of your tongue is where odour-causing bacteria like to hang out. You can use a tongue scraper to gently clean the tongue and remove any bacteria lingering after brushing.
- Stay hydrated: Water can be a simple but effective tool to help you maintain fresh breath. Water helps to wash away any lingering food particles after eating. It also helps to keep your mouth moist. Try consuming at least eight glasses per day.
- Quit smoking: Avoid smoking and the use of tobacco. These can cause unpleasant odours and dry mouth which leads to the increased likelihood of bad breath.
- Eat fresh fruits and vegetables: These contain vitamin C which helps to promote the growth of good bacteria in your mouth. In addition, fruits and vegetables that are crunchy and high in fibre can help your mouth produce more saliva. So be sure to include a healthy serving of fruits and vegetables such as celery, apples, kale, and carrots.
- Chew sugarless gum: Gum can help to stimulate saliva production. It also has the added benefit of neutralizing bad breath. Be sure to try sugar-free options as bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar.
- Visit your dentist regularly: Schedule check-ups with your dentist at least twice per year. This allows you to have teeth professionally cleaned and address any underlying issues contributing to bad breath.
Struggling With Bad Breath? Our Lonsdale Dental Team Can Help.
Don’t allow bad breath to keep you from enjoying life. At Peak Dental Arts, we understand how crippling bad breath can be, and we’re here to provide effective solutions to suit your needs.
Why choose us?
Experience: Our team of dental professionals possess years of experience in diagnosing and treating the underlying causes of bad breath.
Comprehensive care: We offer a wide range of services, from cleaning to personalized plans, designed to help you feel like the most confident version of yourself.
Convenience: Our Lonsdale clinic is open seven days a week, which makes getting access to the care you need easier.
Call or text our Lonsdale office at 778-652-7156 to schedule a consultation or complete our contact form. Take the first step in restoring your confidence today! Your smile deserves it!
