Reasons for bad breath

Halitosis is the term used to describe bad breath. Halitosis may be due to multiple different factors, not just one, so it’s important to investigate all the reasons that you may be suffering from halitosis to be able to come up with a solution to stop it. Let’s take a look at some reasons why you might be suffering from halitosis.
 

1. Diet related bad breath. Foods that have a pungent odour are culprits, such as onions, or adding lots of garlic to meals. I’m sure we have all experienced ‘garlic breath’ now and then. Usually diet related factors are short lived.
2. Dry mouth. Dry mouth can be associated with bad breath, due to the lack of saliva in the mouth. Saliva contains natural anti-bacterials that can help to ‘wash away’ bacteria from in the mouth, if you lack saliva then odour causing bacteria can rapidly multiply and bad breath can result. Certain foods and drinks can lead to dehydration of the mouth such as tea, coffee and alcohol. Certain medications and stress can also lead to dry mouth.
3. Poor oral hygiene. If you have lots of bacteria and plaque in your mouth then halitosis can result.
4. Gum disease. Bacteria from underneath the gums can eat away at the surrounding bone of the teeth and the bacteria can cause a bad taste in the mouth and bad breath.
5. Smoking. Smoking can starve the mouth of oxygen and cause dry mouth and halitosis, alongside many other unfavourable health issues. Try to quit smoking where possible or at least reduce your cigarette intake.
6. Gastroesophageal reflux. Reflux of stomach acids can cause bad breath and the acids can also cause dental erosion. There are some preventive techniques you could try to help to reduce or avoid reflux. Quit smoking and nicotine intake. Eat smaller meals more frequently throughout the day rather than the three big meals and try to remain upright for three hours after a meal. Eliminating certain foods from the diet that can trigger reflux can help, such as spicy, fatty foods and carbonated drinks. Avoid heavy exercise after eating, especially if it involves bending over and try to sleep on a bit of an incline. Speak to your GP if the reflux continues.

 
If you suffer from halitosis then I would always recommend speaking to your dental professional to help to determine the cause of it and to come up with a solution. Your dentist or hygienist may recommend a professional scale and clean to remove the bacteria from the teeth and from underneath the gums that may be causing the bad breath. We can educate you on oral hygiene techniques on how to correctly brush and floss your teeth to help stop that odour causing bacteria from building up.
 
If you have any questions or concerns in regards to your mouth or oral health, feel free to give us a call on 08 9321 6928, we are always happy to help!