Bad breath is something we’ve all had ourselves and most likely encountered in passing strangers and family members. It can be from forgetting to brush your teeth or eating a mouthful of onions, however, it can also point to a much more serious health issue, so take care.
So, where does bad breath begin?
Food Particles
If you are like me, you like flavors, spices, garlic, onions, and that can spell ‘hot breath’ and not the good kind. If you let food particles such as those, sit in your mouth overtime, this can contribute to the unpleasant odor.
Solutions: Brush twice a day, or ideally after each meal (especially one with strong flavors.) Invest in a tongue scraper, these help remove other bacteria.
Dry Mouth
If you have dry mouth more often than not, than you could be suffering from bad breath. A lack of saliva is one of the biggest reasons for bad breath. Saliva helps clean food particles from the mouth, keeping your breath just a little bit fresher.
Solutions: Drink more water, more often. Find an antibacterial toothpaste and mouthwash. If you are on a medication that is causing dry mouth, talk to your doctor about alternative treatments. Chew gum that your dentist approves to facilitate the production of saliva in your mouth.
Oral Infections
If you believe that you have excellent hygiene with a balanced diet, and you still are experiencing bad breath – you may have an oral infection.
Solution: See your dentist!
Improper Denture Fit
When your dentures are not fitting properly, that leaves lots of little spaces for leftover food to get stuck, and ergo causing bad breath.
Solution: See your dentist for a denture adjustment. Afterwards, make sure you floss and brush after eating as a preventative measure.
Tobacco Lingers
You know that smoking and/or chewing tobacco is unhealthy, and that includes their mouth. Oral cancer can develop overtime, if tobacco use continues.
You know the solution: Quit smoking.
