Bad breath can be both embarrassing and uncomfortable. If you struggle with halitosis, you’re not alone – an estimated 60 million people in the United States chronically suffer from it. Luckily, Dr. Jeffrey C. Hoos is here to tell you that you don’t have to live with halitosis any longer, as there are many ways to combat the symptoms and keep your mouth fresh and clean.
What Causes Bad Breath?
A number of causes can contribute to halitosis:
- Bacteria: The tongue can be a breeding ground for bacteria. After eating, bacteria feasts on the food that is left behind, producing compounds called volatile sulfur compounds, or VSCs. This compound is foul-smelling and contributes to the stench that has you reaching for those mints or that pack of gum.
- Dry mouth: If your mouth is parched, you may not be producing enough saliva. Your body works continuously to produce saliva in order to keep your mouth clean, so if you don’t have enough, your mouth is not being cleaned and flushed out as it needs to be. This allows bacteria to grow.
- Gum disease: If your bad breath does not get better despite proper brushing, you may be exhibiting signs of gum disease. When plaque is left in the mouth, it can erode away at the gums and cause bad breath.
- Smoking and tobacco: Not only does smoking stain your teeth and put you at risk for a host of other health problems, it causes bad breath as well. Because smoking can affect your sense of smell and taste, you may not even be aware of your halitosis.
- Underlying medical conditions: Mouth infections and poor oral hygiene are usually the cause of bad breath, but if your dentist has ruled out other causes, you may have another medical condition to blame. Sinus infections, gastric reflux, diabetes and liver or kidney disease have been known to cause bad breath.
5 Ways To Get Rid Of Bad Breath
Luckily, there are many natural ways to kick your bad breath to the curb. This is not a condition that you have to live with forever, even if it feels like there is no hope!
1. Brush, Floss and Mouthwash
As always, the number one rule is to brush and floss regularly. Keep your teeth, gums and tongue clean to eliminate all of the odor-causing bacteria in your mouth. Additionally, over-the-counter mouthwashes can kill bacteria and mask bad breath.
2. Don’t Forget About Your Tongue
If you stick your tongue out and notice a coating on the back, you may be allowing bacteria to flourish. Use a toothbrush or a tongue scraper to clean it off and get rid of those bad breath-causing germs quickly.
3. Stay Hydrated
Dry mouth and dehydration are culprits of bad breath, so maintaining proper hydration is an excellent way to keep it away. Chewing sugar-free gum or mints can help stimulate saliva in the mouth, which helps keep bacteria at bay. Drink plenty of water, eat healthy food and steer clear of alcohol and other mouth-drying substances.
4. Kick the Habit
Smoking and chewing tobacco are the root of many health problems in users. Smoke can linger in the lungs for hours, causing the stale scent of smoker’s breath. Quitting is the best way to stem the spread of halitosis.
5. Visit Your Dentist
A visit to the dentist every 6 months is a critical part of a healthy oral care routine. Periodic check-ups keep teeth clean, mouths healthy and bad breath at bay.
Call Dr. Jeffrey C. Hoos To Make An Appointment
Knowing that your breath stinks makes it difficult to talk with friends, family and coworkers and can take a hit on your self-confidence. Dr. Jeffrey C. Hoos and the rest of the team at the Stratford, Connecticut office want to help you combat your halitosis and give you back the confidence you deserve! If you are suffering from a case of bad breath and would like a check-up, make an appointment with our office today!