What’s causing your bad breath?
Bad breath can be super embarrassing and no-one wants to be that person.
First, let’s understand that there’s chronic bad breath and strong breath simply caused by consuming certain foods or drinks.
Chronic bad breath – known as halitosis – is usually the result of a bacteria that grows in the mouth and triggers the unpleasant smell. Brushing and flossing regularly are essential to keep these bacteria at bay as they worsen when there’s bits of food left in the mouth.
The occasional bout of bad breath can also be blamed on strong foods like chilli, garlic, drinks like coffee and wine and of course, smoking.
Good to know
You can certainly swill mouthwash, chew sugary gum, and pop breath mints to hide bad breath, but in the long run you must take care of your oral health. Here are a few ways to start.
Banish bad breath
How long do you brush your teeth? Did you know that most people brush for less than a minute? Your teeth and mouth need at least two minutes of brushing, flossing, and gargling – and that’s twice a day. Don’t forget to brush your tongue as well. Better yet, buy a tooth scraper at the pharmacy and kick the bacteria to the curb!
Don’t ignore cuts, sores, or ulcers in your mouth. These can quickly turn into infections (and cause chronic bad breath), not to mention various medical issues. Go to the dentist and get the proper treatment.
Certain medications can lead to dry mouth and trigger side-effects that affect mouth odour. If you notice this, speak with your doctor about the meds. You may not be able to switch it but at least you’ll know if it’s the cause.
Smoking is a huge bad breath culprit! Stub it out immediately. While you’re at it, keep up with your dental visits. Just as you need regular medical check-ups, so too do your teeth.
In some serious cases, bad breath isn’t just bad breath: it could be a symptom of oral cancer. If you’re having trouble swallowing and mouth pain, unexplained weight loss and a lump in your neck, see your doctor as soon as possible.
Gingivitis causes inflammation of the gums, redness, swelling, bleeding, and bad breath. Blame plaque (that sticky film build-up on your teeth) for this disease. And it is a disease because if left untreated, gingivitis can end up in damaged gum tissue and bone and teeth loss.
Good to know
The good news is that there is help for oral health issues. Visit your dentist if you notice bad breath that’s caused by more than just strong foods. Try to eat calcium-rich foods, brush your teeth twice daily for the correct amount of time and schedule regular teeth cleanings at the dentist. Drink a glass of water after each meal and rinse out your mouth if necessary. For natural freshness, add a few sprigs of mint to a water bottle and enjoy refreshing sips.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Always check with your doctor or medical practitioner about any health concerns, before embarking on any fitness or nutrition programme, and usage of any medication.