Bad Breath: Know What’s Causing It & How to Keep It AwayWe all commonly experience bad breath sometimes but for some people, it is a more persistent, everyday problem. An estimated 25% of the population encounter Halitosis’, the medical term for bad breath. So what exactly is the reason behind it and how do you deal with this problem? This article will take you through the potential causes, signs, and self-care tips to keep bad breath away.

What’s Causing Your Bad Breath?

The most common reason behind foul breath is poor dental care and oral hygiene. Usually after having a meal, food particles that get stuck between our teeth cause sulfur-producing bacteria to thrive on the surface of the throat and tongue, leading to a foul odor. That is one of the major reasons why dentists recommend brushing and flossing twice a day after meals.

Besides, there are other causes of halitosis, which include:

  • Consumption of coffee and alcoholic beverages
  • Smoking
  • Use of tobacco that increases the risk of gum problems leading to bad breath
  • Dry mouth or dehydration
  • Certain medications, including chemotherapy drugs, nitrate, and vitamin supplements, may reduce the production of saliva, leading to dryness in the mouth and halitosis.
  • Some specific crash diets, particularly low-carb diets force the fat particles to break down into ketones, which can cause foul breath.
  • Diabetic patients having low insulin levels tend to use fat for energy. This breaking up of fats, again, leads to the accumulation and release of ketones resulting in bad breath.
  • In the case of certain diseases, like cancer, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), liver and metabolic disorders, stomach acids, or chemicals released can lead to halitosis.
  • Additionally, Bronchiectasis, a medical condition leading to a build-up of mucus in the airways, can also leave you with a bad mouth odor.
  • Any obstruction in the bowel movement can lead to forceful vomiting over time, which causes foul breath

Identifying the Telltale Signs of Bad Breath

If you feel you might be having bad breath, you can reach out to a friend or family member you are comfortable around. However, sometimes this may seem a bit embarrassing for some, or you might feel a little hesitant doing so. In that case, the easiest way to find out is to try out a simple experiment by yourself. Here’s what you can do:

  • Lick your wrist or the back of your hand and leave it to dry for a few minutes.
  • Then smell the surface that you’d licked to check for some foul smell.
  • If the licked portion smells bad, then you are most likely to have been experiencing halitosis.

Self-care Tips to Get Rid of Bad Breath

You can keep your bad breath under wraps by following some good oral hygiene tips.

  • Always make it a point to brush and floss your teeth, especially after having your meals
  • Avoid smoking and consumption of tobacco-related products
  • Drink enough water to stay hydrated and avoid dry mouth
  • Use an antibacterial mouthwash or gel to clean your mouth as per the dentist’s instructions

As harmless as it may sound, halitosis is the third most common reason why people visit a dentist. One out of every four individuals goes through this condition. If this persists for days, weeks, or months, consult a dentist, discuss your concerns, and avail of treatment at the earliest.

If you are looking for a dentist, HPS Advanced Dental Care would love to see you.  Dr. Heather is gladly accepting new patients.

We are located at 4741 24 Mile Rd. Shelby Township, MI 48316, and we can be reached at  (248) 652-0024.  We look forward to meeting you!