REASONS FOR BAD BREATH

Oftentimes, the things you eat and drink are the reasons for bad breath. But there may also be underlying oral health issues or other serious medical issues. The good news is, the reasons for bad breath are rarely of a serious medical nature.

Oral Hygiene

Maintaining a good oral health routine — brushing, flossing, rinsing — helps prevent a malodorous mouth. You need to remove food particles from your tongue, and bacteria from your teeth. An antiseptic mouthwash such as LISTERINE^® kills up to 99.9% of germs that cause bad breath.

Coffee, Alcohol and Cigarettes

Aside from coffee’s strong flavour, and the noticeable scent of alcohol, the reasons for bad breath here are about saliva depletion. Caffeine and alcohol decrease saliva production; with less saliva in your mouth to keep ‘flushing’ the oral environment, the bacteria builds up — and can be stinky.

What also stinks is tobacco — in cigarettes, cigars, pipes and chew. But never mind the unpleasant smells; tobacco also damages the gum tissue, which can cause gum disease.

Dietary Choices

Spicy and bold flavours, unfortunately, are frequently the reasons for bad breath. Large quantities of sugar, also, are a very tasty treat for the bacteria in your mouth. As bacteria work on the sugars, breath turns sour. On the other hand, if you happen to be going low-carb, you can alter your body’s metabolism, which can lead to bad breath. What’s more, high-protein foods can be a chore to digest. If you don’t happen to metabolize them particularly well, they may release sulphurous gases. Including lots of vegetables in your diet to balance out protein bombs can cut down on the stench, if you’re under its spell.

Gastrointestinal Problems

Unfortunately, if you suffer digestive problems, these can be the reasons for bad breath. Acid reflux, indigestion, constipation and other stomach/bowel disorders can contribute to oral odours.

Dry Mouth

Saliva helps keep your mouth clean by removing food particles that lead to bad breath. When saliva production runs low — such as when you’re asleep — your mouth gets funkier. If you feel parch-mouthed during the day, please see a doctor. Also keep in mind: a side effect of certain medications is dry mouth — which can be one of the reasons for bad breath.  

Anything Else?

Bad breath arises from many common oral health issues. Gum disease, sinus/oral infections, and respiratory problems such as postnasal drip, are all pre-existing conditions that might make you more susceptible to bad breath.

Bad breath can also be a warning sign that other diseases or illnesses are present such as diabetes, liver and kidney issues, as well as certain blood disorders so please speak to your healthcare professional.