What To Do About Bad Breath

Halitosis, or “bad breath” as it’s more commonly known, is an age old problem. It can cause embarrassment for both the person speaking, and the one being spoken to. This can cause unnecessary social awkwardness, and can be a hindrance in professional situations. Learning the causes of bad breath will go a long way toward prevention.

• Waking up – The flow of saliva comes to a near standstill during sleep. So does it’s cleansing ability, which causes bacteria to grow. These bacteria cause bad breath.
• Certain types of food – Food like garlic and onions possess odor-causing properties which enter the blood stream. From there, they go to the lungs and are exhaled.
• Poor oral hygiene – Any food remaining in the mouth is a fertile breeding ground for bacteria.
• Periodontal disease – The condition that is Periodontal disease, inflamed gums, is caused by the presence of food debris and bacteria under the gums.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia) – Medications, salivary gland problems or constant mouth breathing can cause dry mouth, leading to bacterial buildup.
• Tobacco use – Tobacco products dry out the mouth, which leads to the growth of bacteria.
• Dieting - As the body burns fat, chemicals, called ketones, are released in the breath.
• Dehydration and hunger – Saliva flow is increased by drinking water and chewing food. The saliva washes away bacteria.

Stopping any habits that dry out the mouth is a good way to combat bad breath. Also, using correct brushing and flossing technique will remove any food from the mouth that can cause periodontal disease and bad breath.