Freshening Up: How to Beat Bad Breath

What Causes Bad Breath?

There’s no single cause of bad breath. A report from the Breath Institute suggested that 60% of causes are in the mouth and 17% are extra-oral (from the respiratory system or the digestive tract, for example). The rest may not actually be attributed to genuine halitosis but rather conditions that lead to a change in taste sensations.

From those statistics, we know that sometimes bad breath is temporary, other times it may point to an underlying issue. Common culprits include:

• Poor oral hygiene – Food particles, plaque and bacteria can build up and release unpleasant odours. Tooth decay, bleeding gums and tongue piercings can also be contributory factors.
• Gum disease – Persistent bad breath can be a warning sign of periodontal (gum) disease.
• Dry mouth – Saliva helps clean your mouth so if this is reduced, the cleanliness of your mouth can suffer. A dry mouth, caused by certain medications or simply sleeping with your mouth open, can contribute to bad breath.
• Diet – we all know about foods like garlic, onions and coffee, but crash diets and high-protein diets can also affect your breath.
• Smoking – Tobacco dries the mouth and leaves a lingering smell.
• Medical conditions – In some cases, issues like sinus infections, acid reflux or diabetes can lead to halitosis.

There are also medical conditions that can cause bad breath such as bronchitis, lung cancer, ulcers, vomiting, IBS, kidney disease and tonsilitis, as well as stress.

Do I Have Bad Breath?

It can be tricky to tell for yourself. Not only does your nose gets used to your own smell, but it can be difficult to self-diagnose. Some subtle signs might include:

• A persistent bad taste in your mouth
• People offering you mints a bit too often
• Comments from someone you trust

If you’re unsure, your dentist can help confirm whether there’s an underlying issue or not (without any judgement, we promise!). And if someone should mention it to you, don’t be offended. At least it means you can get it sorted.

How to Tackle Bad Breath

The good news is that in many cases, bad breath is very treatable. Here are some steps you can take right now:

• Brush and floss daily – Brush twice a day and floss once a day to remove trapped food and bacteria.
• Clean your tongue – Your tongue is a breeding ground for bacteria, so consider using a tongue scraper or brushing it gently, particularly in the morning.
• Stay hydrated – Water helps keep your mouth clean and supports saliva production.
• Quit smoking – Not just for your breath, but for your overall health, oral and otherwise.
• Chew sugar-free gum – This is great for stimulating saliva, which helps keep bacteria at bay, and for temporarily freshening your breath.
• Watch your diet – If certain foods or drinks seem to make things worse, try reducing or removing them to see if it makes a difference.

How Your Dentist Can Help

If you’re doing all the right things and still noticing bad breath, your dentist is your best ally. We can:

• Identify and treat any signs of gum disease or decay
• Recommend special mouthwashes or toothpastes
• Provide advice tailored to your health and habits
• Refer you to your GP if the cause seems medical rather than dental

Our dental team is trained to approach these concerns with empathy and discretion. We see halitosis more often than you think. And it’s our job to help you feel confident with your oral health.

A Breath of Fresh Air

Halitosis might feel embarrassing, but it’s more common (and more manageable) than many realise. If you’re concerned, don’t suffer in silence. And don’t be afraid to tell someone else if you notice them suffering – they will thank you! With the right support, you can get to the bottom of it and breathe easy again.

Need a hand?

If you’re experiencing persistent bad breath or just want some oral health reassurance, book an appointment with us today. We’re here to help, without judgement, just with expert care and advice.