Stand back: How to get rid of bad breath

What causes bad breath?

There are several reasons why bad breath, or halitosis as it’s officially known, can occur. Here are the most common:

Bad breath from diet

Some foods have an obvious odour causes bad breath. Garlic is the most obvious culprit, but it’s so good for you healthwise this temporary inconvenience/compromise is worth it. Diets rich in protein are notorious for creating bad breath, as are too much acidic foods such as tomatoes and oranges, and diets high in sugar. These foods disrupt the natural balance of your mouth’s eco-system. The natural bacteria in your mouth flourish in the disrupted environment creating a fume inducing bacterial build-up.  

Treatment: eat healthy balanced meals and step up your daily dental care routine, brushing your teeth a minimum of twice a day.

Bad breath from a dry mouth

If you don’t keep hydrated, you may also experience bad breath. Saliva is the best natural defence against bad breath. Saliva flushes leftover food particles from your mouth and prevents the odorous bacteria from building up. Also, regularly skipping meals means you miss out on the opportunity for chewing. Chewing stimulates saliva production, which as you know, is vital for oral health.

Treatment: keep hydrated by always having a water on the go and eat regularly to increase saliva production.

Bad breath from ineffective oral hygiene

As one of the best dental clinics in Christchurch, you know Duxton Dental are going to tell you how important good dental hygiene is in combatting bad breath. Keeping teeth and gums healthy is often not a priority for patients until crisis point – and bad breath is one.

Bad breath is not just caused by complete oral health neglect. It is triggered by simply not brushing your teeth properly, accidentally missing areas of the mouth, or forgetting to brush your teeth before you go to bed. Quality dental care starts at home; damage causing bacteria multiply every 5 hours, so even minor oral hygiene lapses can be a problem.

Treatment: maintain an effective dental routine: brushing, flossing, and regular dental care check-ups. Always follow advice given by your dentist.

Bad breath from underlying health issues

Bad breath can be a sign there are other things going on with your body, so it’s important to investigate the cause. Here are examples of the serious illnesses that bad breath can be a symptom of:

·        Diabetes

·        Respiratory and sinus issues

·        Gastrointestinal disorders

·        Liver disorders,

·        Kidney disorders

·        Severe constipation

At Duxton Dental our dental treatment, advice and guidance is always delivered with sensitivity and respect. Some people get embarrassed about asking for help with their bad breath, but to ignore it can have long term health implications for you. It’s vital we investigate what is causing it – the cause may need escalating to other medical professionals. So, if you are suffering from bad breath, let’s review your oral health and get the ball rolling for a solution, call Duxton Dental on 03 348 5488, or click here to make an appointment.