Halitosis or bad breath is a social no-no, but diagnosing it yourself can be difficult, as it is not always possible to easily detect an odour from ones’ own breath. So halitosis sufferers are often unaware they have the condition and often find out from friends or relatives. It is occasionally natural to have unfresh breath, for instance first thing in the morning. But bad breath needs to be looked at if it won’t go away, even after brushing your teeth or using mouthwash.
Chronic bad breath can be caused by a number of factors, but fortunately, with a few changes at home and a little help from your Alex Bratic Dental Care dentist, you can be assured that your breath is something you don’t need to worry about again.
What Causes Bad Breath?
Pungent foods. Yes – garlic and onions are very healthy, and can even be good for your teeth and gums, but they also contain oils that can pack a powerful smell. These odours get into your lungs, last up to 72 hours and can be tough to cover up. Mints, gum, and mouthwashes can provide temporary cover, and brushing your teeth after eating these foods can also reduce the smell.
Normal Illnesses. Colds, coughs, sore throats, and sinus infections all cause mucus production. Mucus gets trapped in our mouths, throats and noses, causing foul breath. If bad breath from one of these causes hangs around for more than a few days, it’s time to visit your doctor!
Dry Mouth. A dry mouth allows dead cells to accumulate on all surfaces inside the mouth. And while morning breath is a perfectly normal phenomenon due to lowered salivary production and activity while you sleep, it shouldn’t last beyond your morning brushing. If you suffer from dry mouth, visit us at Alex Bratic Dental Care – we have solutions!
Smoking. Smoking dries out your mouth and tobacco has a powerful smell.
Chronic Diseases. Serious diseases such as lung infections, kidney failure, diabetes, cancer, GERD, anorexia, bulimia and others can lead to halitosis. If any of these become suspects in your bad breath, it’s time to see an appropriate practitioner immediately.
Poor Dental Hygiene/Gum Disease. This is probably our favourite cause of bad breath, as it is among the easiest to treat, particularly if caught early. Gum disease, which usually starts with poor brushing and flossing habits as well as a lack of routine dental visits, can make your mouth smell and do far worse. If home treatment does not clear up your bad breath, visit us at Alex Bratic Dental Care as soon as possible.
12 Ways To Prevent Bad Breath At Home
Preventing halitosis is easier than treating it. By developing the right habits, you can often help prevent it.
- Eat foods rich in fibre: High fibre foods help prevent halitosis. Avoid eating heavily processed foods.
- Use mouthwash: Never use alcohol based mouthwashes as alcohol dries out the mouth.
- Drink green and black teas: They contain polyphenols that help eliminate sulfur compounds and reduce oral bacteria.
- Avoid drying medication: Avoid drugs that inhibit saliva flow and can cause chronic dry mouth.
- Avoid products with sodium lauryl sulfate or alcohol: These dry out the mouth.
- Clean your mouth after eating: Practicing consistent and thorough oral hygiene is an effective prevention tool.
- Stop smoking.
- Breathe through your nose instead of your mouth: Try to address any snoring or sleep apnea issues that could be affecting your breath and causing dry mouth.
- Drink water: Keep your mouth moist by drinking plenty of water.
- Clean dentures at least once a day.
- Brush and floss!
- Scrape your tongue: Cleaning the tongue is often overlooked.
How Alex Bratic Dental Care Can Help
- Regular checkups give your dentist a chance to diagnose problems such as periodontal disease, dry mouth, or other disorders that may cause bad breath.
- If your dentist determines that your mouth is healthy and that the odour is not a dental issue, you may be referred to your family physician or to a specialist to determine the cause of the odour and for treatment.
- If the odour is due to periodontal disease, your dentist will treat the disease or refer you to a periodontist.
- If you have extensive build-up of plaque, your dentist may recommend you use a special antimicrobial toothpaste or mouthrinse.
Comfort, Convenience, and Excellent Care at Alex Bratic
Alex Bratic Dental Care in Beenleigh delivers quality dental services to patients of all ages. If you have bad breath, any other dental condition, or just need a checkup up, we’re here or you!
Alex Bratic Dental Care is located on City Road near the Pacific Motorway near Beenleigh Station, with convenient public transport nearby and free onsite parking.
Call us on (07) 3287 2627 or request your appointment online today!
