Bad breath is embarrassing and can leave a poor impression on those that meet you. What is the cause of the bad odor? Here are five causes of stinky breath and how to stop it in its tracks:
Smoking
Smoking can cause bad breath along with other health complications such as cancer and heart disease. The smoke from a cigarette affects the flow of saliva, causing dry mouth and producing bad breath. Some chemicals in cigarettes are also known to cause bad breath. Look into quitting this unhealthy habit to promote oral and cardiovascular health. You can try nicotine patches or a program to quit tobacco products.
Morning Breath
Do you have horrible-smelling breath when you wake up in the morning? Many people do. While you sleep, your saliva production is reduced, causing bacteria to build up and stinky breath to occur. The best way to prevent bacterial build-up is to brush and floss your teeth before bed. You can also keep a water bottle by your bed if you feel thirsty and dry during the night.
Poor Hygiene Habits
One of the most common causes of bad breath is poor dental hygiene habits. When you neglect to brush and floss your teeth, smelly bacteria thrive in your mouth. Not only does this bacteria increase the chance of tooth decay and gum disease, but your breath also turns foul. Keep up a regular dental routine and visit your dentist for a cleaning and checkup twice a year. Also, remember to replace old toothbrushes every few months when they become bent and dirty.
Dentures
If you wear dentures, you still need to maintain a proper dental routine. When dentures become dirty, bacteria can build up in the space between the dentures and your gums. In order to prevent bacterial build-up from happening, remove your dentures after every meal and brush your gums to clear away any bacteria or food particles. Remember to continue regular dental visits so the dentist can check on the health of your gums.
Eating Certain Types of Foods
The digestion process begins as soon as you begin chewing your food. The enzymes in your mouth break down foods, which then travel in your bloodstream. Once it reaches your lungs, you breath out. Depending on the food you eat, the air you breath out might be smelly. Meals with dairy, sugar, and garlic are notorious for causing bad breath. The obvious way to prevent bad breath is by avoiding these foods. However, if you are not willing to stop eating garlic bread, you can temporarily mask the odor by eating a breath mint or rinsing your mouth with water after your meal.
In Conclusion
There are many different causes of bad breath. Fortunately, most of the causes can be controlled by following a regular oral health routine. As long as you brush and floss your teeth daily and stay hydrated, you can have fresh breath.