It doesn’t matter how much effort you put into your appearance. It matters not one whit how expensive your clothes or how pristine your shoes. Your hair can look incredible, your makeup can be on-point and your jewellery can be dazzling… But even the most carefully constructed ensemble can be soured by bad breath.
In order to reduce the risk of bad breath we must first get to the causes of it. If you want fresh breath all the time, you need to guard against these 9 causes…
1. Poor oral hygiene
The battle against bad breath requires a daily commitment to good oral hygiene practices. A crucial aspect of this routine is brushing your teeth at least twice a day for a minimum of two minutes each time. While you may have been brushing for years, improper technique can lead to issues such as receding gums and excessive wear on your tooth enamel, ultimately compromising your oral health. To ensure you’re using the right method, consider booking an appointment with your dentist every six months for a routine check-up and cleaning. During this visit, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist to demonstrate the correct brushing technique, allowing you to maximize the effectiveness of your oral care routine.
Flossing is another essential component of maintaining fresh breath and optimal oral health. While it may seem daunting at first and your sink may resemble a scene from The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, especially as your gums adjust and strengthen, it is vital for removing food particles and plaque from hard-to-reach areas that brushing alone cannot address. Flossing helps prevent gum disease and cavities, which can contribute to persistent bad breath. As your gums heal and become more accustomed to flossing, you will notice less bleeding and discomfort, making the process easier and more effective.
In addition to brushing and flossing, consider incorporating mouthwash into your daily routine for an extra layer of protection against bad breath. A good antibacterial mouthwash can help eliminate bacteria that cause foul odors, providing a fresher feeling that lasts longer. Staying hydrated is also important; drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help keep your mouth moist and rinse away food particles and bacteria.
2. Gum disease
Plaque that’s not removed by brushing builds up in your mouth and becomes a magnet for bacteria. Over time, these bacteria can emit sulphur-type cases which lead to bad breath.
Left untreated, gum disease can even lead to a more serious condition called periodontitis which can lead to abscesses and loose or lost teeth.
3. A dirty tongue
Bacteria can easily accumulate on the rough surface of your tongue, creating an environment conducive to bad breath. The tongue’s texture provides a perfect home for these bacteria, which can contribute to the production of unpleasant odors. To effectively combat bad breath, it is essential to incorporate tongue brushing into your daily oral hygiene routine.
Tongue brushing helps to remove food particles, bacteria, and dead cells that can linger on the tongue’s surface. By gently cleaning your tongue with a soft-bristled toothbrush or a specialized tongue scraper, you can significantly reduce the bacterial load and improve your breath. This simple addition to your hygiene regimen not only freshens your breath but also contributes to overall oral health.
When brushing your tongue, start from the back and work your way forward, applying gentle pressure to avoid any discomfort. Rinse your mouth thoroughly after brushing to wash away the loosened debris and bacteria. Aim to brush your tongue each time you brush your teeth, ideally twice a day. By prioritizing this often-overlooked aspect of oral care, you can help ensure fresher breath and a cleaner mouth overall.
4. Pungent food and drinks
Sorry curry lovers, but pungent foods like garlic, onions and spices can also cause temporary bad breath as can coffee and alcohol.
The good news that if you have good oral hygiene these smells can be quickly dispelled with a breath mint or sugar-free gum.
5. Smoking
As if you needed another reason not to smoke! One of smoking’s many ill-effects is that it irritates the gums, causing or exacerbating gum disease that results in bad breath.
It also impedes your mouth’s natural healing processes, making it harder to treat gum disease and prevent it from becoming more serious.
6. Fasting and yo-yo dieting
Empty stomachs and faddy low-carb diets like the Atkins diet (which is hugely problematic) can lead to bad breath. This is because they induce a state called ketosis, where your body breaks down fats and emits ketones, which have a pungent and distinctive smell.
7. Morning breath and dry mouth
Your saliva is a potent antibacterial agent which breaks naturally cleans your mouth and removes decaying food particles. Thus, when you sleep with your mouth open it is unable to work its magic and lead to bad breath. Fortunately, this is nothing that can’t be rectified by a glass of water and brushing your teeth.
8. Oral infection
Gum disease isn’t the only mecca for bacteria in your mouth. Infections such as dental abscesses, mouth ulcers, or infections incurred after dental surgery can all become susceptible to bacterial growth, and bad breath could be a warning sign of something more serious.
See your dentist or doctor ASAP if this takes place.
9. Illness
A bad cold or stomach upset can also cause bad breath. Likewise infections like sinusitis, pneumonia, tonsillitis, bronchitis, IBS, diabetes and other gastrointestinal problems can all result in pongy breath.
Your first line of defence against bad breath should always be your dentist. They can keep your mouth clean and free of plaque while also advising you on correct oral hygiene!
