Is bad breath a problem for you?
There is a good reason why supermarket shelves are bursting at the seams with gums, mints, breath freshening sprays, and mouthwashes – bad breath is both embarrassing for the sufferer and unpleasant for those around them.
Bad breath, medically referred to as halitosis, is a common problem habitually affecting as many as one in four people. It can be temporarily alleviated by brushing the teeth or using mints, mouthwash, or similar products, but these simply cover up the problem – and it usually has a deeper cause.
What Causes Halitosis?
Bad breath can be caused by a variety of things, including:
- Food, especially onions, garlic, meats, and dairy
- Cigarette smoking
- Coffee consumption
- Dry mouth/lack of saliva
- Certain medicines
- Inflammation and/or infection
- Poor dental hygiene
- Snoring
- Medical issues
The mouth houses millions of bacteria. If the balance of healthy bacteria is disrupted, or if failure to brush and floss properly each day occurs, these bacteria can thrive on the teeth, gums, and tongue. Inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) can also result in bad breath. Moreover, food particles can become lodged between the teeth, further contributing to bad breath.
Most cases of bad breath are caused by the odour-producing bacteria that live and thrive in the oral cavity. They release sulphur compounds which make the breath smell. As many as 10% of cases of halitosis, however, are caused by a disease process outside the mouth – and it may be a major warning sign of something more serious going on.
For example:
- Tonsillitis or tonsil stones cause a rotten egg odour.
- Sinus or nasal issues can cause a cheesy smell.
- Uncontrolled diabetes can cause a fruity smell, as can a ketogenic diet.
- A smell reminiscent of stale beer can indicate tuberculosis.
- An acidic smell can be experienced in asthma and other lung conditions.
- Liver cirrhosis or other liver diseases can cause a musty, sweet breath odour.
- Ammonia or fishy odour can be caused by kidney issues.
- Faecal breath odour can be caused by bowel obstruction.
- Lung cancer causes a distinctive breath odour.
- Certain medications can also cause bad breath.
Bad breath can have extremely negative impacts on a person’s confidence, and it can be very unpleasant for others as well, especially if the sufferer is oblivious to the problem. Fortunately, there are strategies to overcome the issue.
Prevention and Treatment Strategies
Bad breath can be both prevented and treated.
- Brush your teeth twice daily and floss nightly before bed.
- Replace your toothbrush regularly, at least every three months.
- Snack on apples or chew sugar-free gum to help promote saliva production. Saliva helps to keep the mouth clean.
- Drink plenty of plain water and limit (or say no to) fruit juices and sugary sodas.
- If you suffer from frequent sore throats or sinus issues, see your doctor. These can contribute to bad breath.
- If you snore, seek medical advice – snoring is detrimental to your health and can cause bad breath.
- If you experience dry mouth, speak to your doctor or dentist for effective solutions.
- Use a mouthwash after brushing to freshen your breath and kill bacteria – note that alcohol-free mouthwashes are considered to be generally safer than those containing alcohol.
- Don’t smoke or vape – and if you do, try to quit.
- Clean dentures, orthodontic retainers, and other oral appliances well between uses, preferably with a product like Milton or Fittydent.
- Think twice before getting a tongue piercing. This type of piercing can be hazardous to your oral health as well as the integrity of your teeth and even your overall well-being. Any piercing (especially new) is vulnerable to infection and this is multiplied in the mouth.
- Take a high-quality live probiotic daily.
- Visit your dentist for a full check-up and clean every six months.
According to the Australian Dental Association, brushing the tongue or using a tongue scraper can temporarily reduce the number of bacteria living on the tongue. This may help alleviate bad breath to an extent. Use your toothbrush bristles to gently scrape forward along the tongue’s surface.
Top Dental Supplier in Australia
Adam Dental Supplies is among Australia’s largest distributors of dental supplies in Melbourne and Australia-wide. As well as selling commercially, we also sell some products to the general public.
We have a range of preventative oral care products including mouthwashes to help prevent and manage halitosis. These are available for at-home use as well as for in-clinic purposes, in a variety of strengths and formulations.
Contact us to learn more.