What Is Bad Breath a Sign Of?
Bad breath (halitosis) is usually only temporary, but if you have persistent or frequent bad breath, there could be an underlying problem that might be putting your health at risk.
Halitosis can be caused by many things, from your diet and other habits to your oral hygiene, health conditions and medications. Understanding what’s causing your breath odour is the key to banishing it for good. Make an appointment with your dentist to discuss your treatment and prevention options today.
What causes bad breath?
Short-term breath odours can be caused by food and drinks, but these will usually go away after rinsing your mouth with water and brushing and flossing your teeth. Some more pungent food odours can stay on the breath for longer, such as onion and garlic, as these contain compounds that are absorbed by the blood and carried to the lungs.
Besides food and drink, other possible causes of bad breath can include:
- Improper tooth brushing and flossing, which allows bacteria and food to build up on the teeth
- Oral health problems such as tooth decay, gum disease and mouth sores
- Dry mouth, a condition where less saliva is produced
- Mouth, nose and throat infections, such as sinusitis, tonsilitis and postnasal drip
- Health conditions such as diabetes, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and kidney or liver disease
- Certain medications that cause bad breath as a side effect
- Dietary changes such as fasting, crash dieting and low-carb diets
- Smoking, which leaves odours and increases the risk of related oral health and general health problems
Your dentist will aim to identify the cause or causes of your breath problem so they can recommend suitable remedies.
How a dentist can help
If a breath problem doesn’t improve after a few weeks, you should see your dentist for advice or to discuss treatment options. Depending on what’s causing your halitosis, their recommendations may include:
- Deep cleaning of your teeth and gums to remove bacteria or an infection
- Fillings or other restorations to repair damaged teeth
- Artificial saliva products to treat dry mouth
- Nasal spray, decongestants or other medication to treat an underlying problem
- Speaking to a doctor about treating a medical condition or changing your medication
Ways to prevent bad breath
Bad breath can often be kept at bay by improving your oral hygiene, diet and other habits. This can include:
- Brushing your teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste
- Brushing or gently scraping your tongue to remove bacteria
- Cleaning between your teeth once a day using floss or other dental cleaning tools
- Drinking plenty of water to rinse and hydrate your mouth
- Using an antimicrobial mouthwash if your dentist recommends it
- Cleaning any oral appliances such as braces or dentures
- Avoiding strong-smelling foods and drinks
- Chewing sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva flow
- Keeping up with your regular dental visits for preventive oral health care
Talk to a dentist in Mosman
If you need to see a dentist about bad breath or any other problem, get in touch with our friendly team at Mosman 3D Dental today. Call our dental clinic on (02) 9969 8610 or book an appointment online.