How do you avoid Bad Breath

Bad breath is also known as halitosis and it is a common problem for people at any age. Some people can suffer with it for a short period of time. However, it is estimated that 50% of that people have persistent bad breath.

What are the causes?

Poor Oral Hygiene
The most common reason for bad breath is poor oral hygiene.

Plaque, gum disease and dental decay can be caused due to bacteria that cover our teeth, tongue and gums. These bacteria in combination with saliva and food in the mouth break down proteins and food particles and release the bad breath.

Brushing and flossing your teeth, as well as cleaning your tongue regularly, contribute to control the unpleasant smell.

Attention! In case you are wearing dentures, it could be due to lack of cleaning them regularly.

Morning bad breath
It is very common to come across bad breath when you wake up in the morning. This usually happens because the mouth dries up during the night. This is because you don’t create enough saliva that normally washes away food particles.

Food and drinks
Another reason for it can be strong foods and drinks. Garlics, onions and spices or coffee and alcohol are to be blamed. However, this type of bad breath is temporary and can be avoided simply by avoiding them or/and by brushing and flossing our teeth regularly.

Medicines
Some medicines break down in the body and release chemicals that are carried on your breath. On the other hand, some can cause it indirectly by contributing to dry mouth.

Smoking
Smokers are more likely to get gum disease which is another reason for bad breath.

Dry mouth
Dry mouth, known as xerostomia, is a condition that contributes to bad breath because it decreases saliva’s production. Saliva helps keep your mouth clean and reduces smells.

Tonsillitis
One indication for sore-throat disease is bad breath. The bacteria can also affect your tonsils and give you sore throats. Tonsillectomy can be the treatment for both in such cases.

Ketogenic diet (or keto diet)
The Keto diet is a diet high in fat, moderate in protein and low in carbs, designed to help you achieve ketosis. During this procedure, your body burns fat for energy and fatty acids are converted into natural chemicals known as ketones.  When ketones released from the body through exhalation are causing the unwanted side effect of “Keto breath”. Increase your water intake, practice good oral hygiene and eat less protein can be treatments for “Keto breath”.

Other causes
Other medical conditions such as metabolic disorders, diabetes, infections in the lungs or nose or even diseases such as some cancers, can cause bad breath as well.

If you have any other question, please do not hesitate to give us a call on 01 4551866 or send an email to clinics@dentaltech.ie and we will be more than happy to assist you!

Dental Tech Denture Clinics

DUBLIN – Whitehall House, Terenure, Dublin 6W – Call 01 4551866

WEXFORD – The Whitemill Medical Centre, Wexford – Call 053 9192999

WATERFORD – Waterford Health Park, Waterford – Call 051 365999