Bad breath is a common problem that affects many people. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor oral hygiene, certain foods and drinks, underlying medical conditions, and lifestyle habits. If you’re dealing with bad breath, don’t worry—there are steps you can take to freshen your breath and improve your overall oral health.
Supreme Dentistry offers teeth cleaning in Houston, Texas, that can help combat bad breath caused by tooth decay and other oral health issues. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 844.966.2333 to understand the causes of bad breath better.
What Causes Bad Breath?
If you have wondered, “Why do I have bad breath every day?” Here are four common causes of bad breath:
Food
Food is a significant contributor to bad breath in more than one way. When food is eaten, little bits of it are left behind on the surface of the teeth, beneath the gum line, and between the teeth themselves. This food debris encourages bacteria’s growth, which, in turn, allows plaque development. This all produces an unpleasant smell in the mouth.
Smoking and Other Tobacco Products
Smoking or tobacco products like “chew” is another significant habit that can greatly increase bad breath daily. On top of carrying its unpleasant odor, smoking dries out the soft tissue of your mouth, making infections, tooth decay, and gum disease much more likely to occur. These side effects alone are also causes of bad breath.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth, otherwise known as xerostomia, while having the potential for many different causes, is a cause of bad breath due to the lack of saliva in the oral cavity. Saliva works as a flushing system to remove food debris, plaque, and bacteria from around the gums, tongue, and teeth. If there isn’t enough saliva in the mouth, these materials and byproducts will sit in the mouth and cause bad breath. This is the cause of “morning breath,” especially for those who sleep with their mouths open.
Infections
Infections caused by viruses and bacteria residing beneath the gum line or in breaks in the tissue also cause an odor. Such infections across the body often carry an unpleasant smell. Due to the mouth’s generally warm, wet environment, infections, and bacteria are increasingly likely to occur when left untreated with daily oral hygiene and general dental services.
Medical Conditions That Cause Bad Breath
Certain medical conditions can also be causes of bad breath, sometimes presenting a symptom of underlying health issues.
- Kidney disease – Unpleasant breath can often be a sign of kidney disease. The inability of kidneys to filter out toxins from the body effectively can result in a fishy odor on the breath.
- Diabetes – Diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious complication when your body runs low on insulin, can cause your breath to have a sweet or fruity odor.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) – This digestive disorder occurs when acidic stomach juices flow back into the esophagus, causing heartburn and bad breath.
- Liver disease – Advanced liver disease or cirrhosis can cause bad breath, known as a fetor hepaticus, which has a musty, sweetly sick smell.
- Respiratory tract infections – Infections in the respiratory tract, including pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinusitis, can cause bad breath due to the presence of nasal secretions that may drain into the mouth.
It is crucial to get regular medical checkups if you experience persistent bad breath, as it may indicate serious health issues.
How to Manage Bad Breath
There are several ways to manage bad breath and slowly eliminate it over time, such as:
Brush
Brushing twice daily and between meals can significantly encourage better-smelling breath by removing many bacteria and debris that cause halitosis.
Floss
Flossing reaches the tight spots between the teeth and around the gum line to help prevent gum disease and plaque build-up that would quickly lead to bad breath.
Mouthwash
Using mouthwash at least once a day, especially mouthwash with fluoride is an excellent way of killing germs and bacteria and washing food and plaque down the sink that would have otherwise worked to make breath repellent to those nearby.
Healthy Diet
Diet can influence the quality and smell of breath not only through the food debris that clings to the teeth and gums but also through the digestive tract when food absorbs into your bloodstream, reaches your lungs, and erupts as bad breath.
Regular Health Checkups
Overall health should always be considered when something is not right or unpleasant for you or your loved ones; conditions such as asthma, a sinus infection, bowel obstruction, and cancer can all contribute to bad breath.
Are There Natural Remedies to Help Bad Breath?
Yes, several natural remedies can help mitigate bad breath. These methods can be easily incorporated into your daily routine and can significantly improve oral health:
- Hydrate regularly – Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining a healthy mouth. Water helps wash away food particles and bacteria, neutralizing the acids produced by them.
- Chew sugar-free gum – Chewing gum helps stimulate saliva production, which naturally cleanses the mouth, eliminating the bacteria that cause bad breath.
- Use herbs – Chewing on fresh herbs like mint, fennel, or parsley can help neutralize odors.
- Eat crunchy fruits and vegetables – Apples, carrots, and celery can help clean your teeth between meals and freshen your breath.
- Drink green tea – Green tea is known to have antibacterial compounds that can fight off the microbes in your mouth that cause bad breath.
Remember, while these remedies can help improve bad breath, they do not replace regular dental checkups and a good oral hygiene routine.
Call Supreme Dentistry to Schedule an Appointment for a Teeth Cleaning
Do not allow bad breath to continue disrupting your life. Eliminate this oral issue and reclaim your confidence with the help of Supreme Dentistry. Our experienced team is ready to guide you with personalized treatments and effective oral hygiene practices. We understand how bad breath can impact your personal and professional interactions. Please schedule an appointment with Supreme Dentistry by contacting us at 844.966.2333 to start your journey toward better oral health and fresher breath.
