Battling bad breath
There’s no such thing as bad breath, all breath is good, however we’ve all experienced those times when you suddenly realise your breath isn’t smelling as fresh as it could be. Now, with the need for face coverings in shops and on public transport, it’s likely that you’re more aware of your own breath than ever before, which means that if it’s got an unpleasant smell, you’re probably looking for a solution.
So, what can you do? Contrary to popular belief, bad breath isn’t always easy to banish by just chewing some gum or using some mouthwash. There are myriad reasons for bad breath to happen, so by identifying the cause you can solve the problem once and for all.
Arguably one of the most significant causes of bad breath is gum disease. As plaque and bacteria build up and inflame the gums, this can cause an unpleasant odour which can be difficult to shift. Signs of gum disease include bleeding when brushing and red, swollen gums. It’s important to go to a dental hygienist and get a tailored oral care plan, especially as, if gum disease is left untreated, it can eventually result in teeth falling out.
Another often overlooked reason behind bad breath could be that you simply aren’t drinking enough water. If your mouth gets dry from dehydration this gives the bacteria living there the chance to multiply and cause a bad smell. By drinking more water, you will produce more saliva which will help to reduce bacteria levels, keeping your breath fresher.
Consuming certain foods and drinks may also be to blame. It goes without saying that if you eat something smothered in garlic, you’re probably going to have bad smelling breath for a while after. However, did you know that coffee and alcoholic beverages can have the same effect? Coffee is full of caffeine which dries out the mouth and alcohol has been proven to unbalance the natural bacteria in the mouth, potentially allowing more harmful bacteria to multiply and contribute towards gum disease and malodour.
There are also some general conditions and health concerns that may be at the root of bad breath. Individuals with diabetes can’t produce insulin properly, so the body tends to burn fat reserves instead. This causes the production of ketones, which can mean smelly breath. Some medications can also cause a dry mouth. These include antidepressants, antihistamines, sleeping tablets and more. If you notice that your breath is unpleasant after taking any of these medications, you can usually tackle the problem by ensuring you drink a lot of water or chew chewing gum to keep saliva production high.
Smoking is another potential cause. It’s no secret that smoking has many adverse health effects, and bad breath can be caused either by the tobacco itself or the gum disease that smoking inevitably causes.
As you can see, bad breath isn’t always simple to solve. If it is a recurring problem, a visit to your dental hygienist or dentist is likely the best way forward, as they will be able to tell you the cause and offer a solution.
For further information please call EndoCare on 020 7224 0999
