Approximately 1 in 4 people suffer from chronic halitosis (bad breath). Having smelly breath can lower your confidence and cause frustration when you want to socialise. You don’t want your peers to believe that you have poor oral hygiene. But sometimes halitosis is difficult to treat. 

If you’re not sure what’s causing your halitosis then you’ll want to continue reading this article. We’ve provided valuable information on what could be causing your bad breath and how you can solve the problem permanently. Keep reading to find out more!

What Causes Bad Breath? 

The worst part about having bad breath is not realising you have the problem and only finding out about it when someone mentions that you need a Tic Tac. So what could be causing your halitosis? Here are common reasons why your breath always smells bad. 

Poor Oral Hygiene 

Some people believe that brushing their teeth once a day is enough to keep the bad breath away. Poor oral hygiene causes a range of problems such as tooth decay that increase the risk of smelly breath. Not brushing or flossing regularly causes a build-up of plaque which causes major halitosis.  

Diabetes 

People who suffer from diabetes have high blood sugar levels that increase the glucose in their saliva. The rise in glucose levels is food for bacteria and increases plaque build-up that causes bad breath. 

Additionally, diabetic sufferers may have a fruity acetone smell coming out of the mouth because of the high levels of ketones in the blood.  

Medication 

Some medications are diuretics which cause you to urinate frequently. As a result, you may experience dry mouth which is one of the major causes of bad breath. Other medications that treat allergies or cancer can be a contributing factor to halitosis. 

Dry Mouth Syndrome 

Dry mouth syndrome is caused by the lack of saliva in the mouth. Your glands don’t produce enough saliva to lubricate the mouth. Saliva naturally keeps your teeth clean so without it, you may experience tooth decay and bad breath. Dry mouth is caused by certain medications, smoking and drinking alcohol. 

Allergies and Tonsilitis 

Rhinitis and sinusitis can cause a post nasal drip which increases bad breath. Tonsilitis can also lead to bad breath because it makes the tonsils swell and the mouth to go dry. 

Tooth Decay 

Tooth decay is caused by several things such as: 

• Not brushing or flossing regularly 
• Eating too much sugar 
• Excessive plaque build-up 
• Dry mouth 
• Cigarettes 
• Cancer treatments 

Unfortunately, tooth decay is the number one leading cause of bad breath because of the bacteria build-up. Furthermore, food can get stuck in the cavities which causes the tooth to rot more and increases foul breath. 

Smoking Cigarettes 

Cigarettes naturally don’t smell pleasant so when you smoke or even chew tobacco it can cause bad breath. Smoking also causes dry mouth and tooth decay which are contributing factors to halitosis. 

Certain Types of Food 

Certain types of food such as onions and garlic have a strong smell and can linger in the mouth even after brushing your teeth. 

Tips to Permanently Get Rid of Bad Breath 

Now that you know what the main causes of bad breath are, here are some tips to help you get rid of your halitosis permanently. 

Brush and Floss Every Day 

One of the best ways to prevent bad breath is to brush your teeth twice a day: Once in the morning and the evening before you go to bed. You should also floss your teeth to remove food and plaque build-up in between your teeth.

Rinse Your Mouth with Salt Water 

A natural remedy to get rid of your bad breath if you don’t have a toothbrush and toothpaste handy is a solution of warm water and salt. Salt is a natural disinfectant that removes bacteria and reduces bad breath. 

Avoid Alcohol Mouth Washes 

Alcohol-based mouthwashes cause dry mouth syndrome which could lead to tooth decay and receding gums. Consider using non-alcohol based mouthwashes or use a natural remedy such as water with baking soda and salt. 

Drink Plenty of Water

To prevent dry mouth syndrome and to wash away bacteria and food you must drink plenty of water. Avoid drinking juice or soda because the high sugar content can cause tooth decay. Water helps increase the production of saliva to keep your mouth lubricated. For flavour, add a slice of cucumber and lemon to your drink. 

Eat Healthy Foods

Certain foods such as cucumbers, strawberries and carrots can naturally freshen your breath and remove foul odours. Additionally, food high in vitamin C such as broccoli or red pepper makes it difficult for bacteria to thrive in the mouth. These foods work better at fighting halitosis when you eat them raw. 

Any type of crunchy fruit or vegetable naturally removes plaque from your teeth and in turn prevents tooth decay. 

Change Your Tooth Brush Regularly 

According to the CDC, it’s recommended that you change your manual toothbrush every three to four months. Old toothbrushes become worn and frayed and become ineffective. New toothbrushes have bristles that work best to clear away plaque and food from the teeth. 

Consider Oil Pulling 

Oil pulling is a method in which you swish organic oils around your mouth to clean in between your teeth and remove plaque. Some people use coconut oil because coconut is a natural bleach and it helps remove tartar from the teeth. Oil pulling is also an ideal method to permanently get rid of bad breath.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly 

Visiting your dentist regularly is important when fighting chronic bad breath. Your dentist can help you find the root of the problem and prescribe the best methods to deter halitosis. Professional teeth cleaning is also recommended every six months to prevent tartar build-up and tooth decay.

Final Thoughts

Are you struggling to find the cause of your bad breath and how to fix the problem permanently? Practitioners at Shine Dental will find the cause of your halitosis and give you the proper solutions to fix the problem. You can also visit Shine Dental for general cleaning and check-ups to prevent tooth decay and other causes of bad breath. 

To book an appointment with Shine Dental call us on 01420 550616 or visit our website to book a time and date that’s convenient for you. With a dentist’s help, you can get rid of bad breath and prevent it from coming back! We look forward to assisting you with all your dentistry needs.