Bad breath, or halitosis, is a problem that affects millions of individuals worldwide with as many as 1 in 4 people struggling with it regularly. If you are part of the 25% and are wondering how to prevent or treat bad breath, you are not alone. Here’s everything you need to know.
What is Halitosis?
Halitosis is simply the clinical term for bad breath. It’s used when bad breath remains for an extended period of time and can be diagnosed by a dental professional. It’s natural to suffer with bad breath for short stints from time to time. But if your bad breath is for an extended period and is impacting your confidence, it could be time to take steps that will prevent and treat your symptoms.
What Causes Bad Breath?
In the majority of cases, bad breath stems from the oral cavity. Every mouth contains bacteria that helps to break down the foods and drinks that we consume. And it’s this process that generates bad-smelling gases. Common causes include:
- Oral conditions such as gingivitis or periodontitis.
- The use of tobacco and other nicotine products.
- Strongly flavoured foods and drinks such as coffee and alcohol.
- Medications such as some antidepressants, antihistamines and NSAIDs.
How to Prevent Bad Breath
1. Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene
Maintain proper oral hygiene by brushing your teeth twice a day using a toothpaste that contains fluoride, flossing regularly to remove excess debris and plaque, and brushing or scraping your tongue. If you are treating bad breath, you could look to incorporate mouthwash into your routine too to kill any bacteria that’s causing the odour. This will ensure that excess bacteria does not build up and reduce the chance of bad breath occurring.
2. Stay Hydrated
By staying hydrated, you can keep your mouth moist and wash away any excess food particles and plaque. With the regular consumption of water and the reduction of caffeine products like coffee and alcohol, you will avoid dry mouth and treat your symptoms of bad breath.
3. Opt for a Balanced Diet
The foods that you consume can have an impact on the smell of your breath. If you are looking to prevent or treat bad breath, you should avoid strong smelling foods such as garlic and onions, instead choosing fresh fruit and vegetables, which help to stimulate saliva production and keep your mouth hydrated.
4. Avoid Nicotine Products
Tobacco and other nicotine products are known to contribute to bad breath as well as increasing your chance of gum disease. They reduce saliva production and cause dry mouth which could result in bad breath or halitosis over time.
5. Ensure Regular Dental Checkups
Ensure that bad breath is treated and prevented with regular dental checkups. Your dental professional will be able to diagnose and provide treatment for halitosis and bad breath, catching it early so it doesn’t develop into a longer lasting problem.
And if there are any underlying conditions that are contributing to your bad breath, they will be able to treat those before they worsen too. Visiting your dentist at least once a year, to reduce the chances of the condition developing.
Consult the Experts at My Family Dental
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and oral hygiene routine is the best way to prevent and treat bad breath. And that includes a regular trip to your dentist. For a professional service and personal advice on how you can minimise your symptoms of bad breath and prevent it from returning, get in touch with the experts at My Family Dental. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
