Bad breath or halitosis is an issue wherein a person's mouth exhibits a disturbing odor. It's quite embarrassing, especially when your colleague or a friend points it out. But what causes this bad breath, and how can you deal with the same? If you have the above question on your mind, you've come to the right place.
This blog will discuss common reasons for bad breath and natural remedies to deal with the same. So, read in full.
7 Common Reasons for Bad Breath
Food or Diet
When you eat food, some food particles get stuck in your teeth. And when bacteria break down these food particles, it releases a bad odor leading to bad breath.
Also, if you don't eat anything for long, it can lead to bad breath too. This happens because the saliva in your mouth breaks down the fats, which releases a bad odor.
Dry Mouth
Saliva keeps your mouth moist and also acts as a natural cleanser. And low production of saliva due to any reason can lead to dry mouth, which further causes bad odor.
Tobacco
Tobacco or tobacco products exhibit a unique unpleasant odor. Also, tobacco can lead to gum diseases which can further cause bad breath.
Poor Dental Hygiene
If you don't brush regularly, the food particles will remain stuck in your teeth. It can also lead to plaque formation on your teeth, causing inflammation or periodontitis. Furthermore, if you wear dentures but don't clean them regularly, it can lead to bacteria formation, which can cause halitosis.
All in all, poor dental hygiene can cause bad breath.
Drugs/Medications
Some medications can reduce saliva formation, which can make your mouth dry and thus produce odor. But, on the other hand, some drugs produce odor as they break down and release chemicals. What's more, individuals who consume vitamin supplements in excess may also experience bad breath.
Throat/Mouth/Nose Conditions
Infections in your throat, mouth, or nose can lead to the formation of phlegm. And its accumulation for long can produce an obnoxious odor.
Bad Breath Digestive Problems
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a digestive issue that is marked by acid reflux, wherein the acid in the stomach reaches the esophagus. And this can lead to bad odor.
Tip for parents: Bad breath can be a common occurrence in kids. Make sure that your kid maintains his oral hygiene and gets a regular dental check up.
Is Stress Linked to Bad Breath?
Whenever we're stressed or anxious, our blood pressure rises, and so does our heartbeat. And these stressful conditions can impact our salivary glands reducing the production of saliva, which can further lead to bad breath. So, yes, bad breath is linked to stress.
Home Remedies for Bad Breath
Here are some bad breath remedies that you can try at home:
Brush and Floss Regularly
Maintain oral health by brushing at least twice a day. If possible, try brushing after meals.
However, brushing cleans 60% of teeth only. So, floss daily to complete the course of cleaning. Also, flossing helps reduce plaque formation, which prevents bad odor.
Clean your Dentures Properly
Whether it's a mouth guard, bridge, or denture, you need to clean it properly. It's because, when you eat, some food is definitely going to get stuck in this prosthesis. And cleaning them regularly can prevent this which further prevents the onset of bad odor.
Avoid Dry Mouth
Avoid alcohol consumption and say no to tobacco as both these items dehydrate your mouth. Drink plenty of water and chew some gum or suck a sweet. This way, you can boost saliva production and prevent dry mouth, which is a common reason behind bad breath.
Clean your Tongue
Most people ignore cleaning the tongue but most dead cells, bacteria, and food deposit there. And this can lead to bad odor. However, you can use a tongue scraper to clean your tongue and deal with this issue.
Diet
Diet plays an important role in bad breath. So, try to avoid food items such as onions, garlic, and spicy food items. You also need to leave coffee and alcohol, as said earlier, to avoid bad breath. During breakfast, you can consume crunchy foods such as apples or guava to clean the back of your tongue.
Wrapping Up
Bad breath may not be chronic, but it's definitely an issue worth paying attention to. After all, it can be quite embarrassing if someone complains to you about your bad breath. So, find the possible cause behind your bad breath and follow the above-mentioned home remedies to deal with the same.
However, if you cannot find the cause of your bad breath or the remedies don't work, reach out to a professional. It's because sometimes, the issue could be bigger than what it seems to be.
