Bad Breath: Frequently Asked Questions

Bad breath is an awful condition that can cause us to feel acutely self-conscious when talking with others. So serious is this condition, it can create social and psychological barriers to our most important relationships.

Many sufferers of bad breath are unaware of their problem. Others rely on items such as sugary mints and alcohol-filled mouthwashes that only help temporarily.

Thankfully, bad breath can sometimes be improved with a stepped-up oral hygiene routine. But, it’s a good idea to visit a dentist if it turns out that proper oral hygiene doesn’t provide the solution you need. A dentist can often ascertain the cause of your bad breath, and advise you on a course of action to get rid of it. Rest assured: dentists enjoy a high rate of success when it comes to managing or eliminating bad breath.

Do I suffer from bad breath?

It’s very difficult to tell on your own. Attempts to get a reliable result by cupping your hands over your mouth and smelling your own breath are often futile. The most effective method used to determine whether you have bad breath is to ask someone, as bad breath really becomes apparent when we’re talking.

What causes bad breath?

There are several typical and well-known causes.

1. Food is the most well known cause of bad breath. Bad breath can be a result of foods containing particular oils such as onions and garlic. Other foods including some vegetables and spices can contribute to bad breath. Another source of bad breath arises when food left in your mouth that is caught between your teeth, or stuck to the enamel, begins to breakdown.

2. A lack of dental hygiene can be a reason for bad breath. Food particles left within your mouth will emit an odor in the event you don’t brush and floss effectively. Plaque will form on your teeth and fill pockets between your teeth affecting your gums. The result will be gum disease and bad breath. It is imperative that proper dental hygiene be maintained.

3. A dry mouth can result in bad breath. This is because dead cells congregating on your tongue, gums and cheeks break down and emit an odor. Most people are familiar with this process, since it’s the reason we wake up to bad breath in the morning. Dry mouth can be made worse as a result of smoking, issues with your salivary glands or various medications.

4. Smoking will adversely affect your breath. Smoking dries the mouth, resulting in bad breath. Gum disease, which contributes to bad breath, is also more prevalent in smokers.

5. Dieting can also be a source of bad breath, due to the breakdown of body chemicals during what the body perceives as prolonged fasting. This bad breath is sometimes described as smelling ‘fruity’.

6. Bad breath can accompany certain illnesses and conditions. These include diabetes, kidney failure, chronic lung infections and lung abscesses, and chronic reflux of stomach acids from your stomach. Hiatal hernia can also be a source of bad breath.

7. Sinus infections can also result in bad breath. This is because a nasal discharge from your sinuses into the back of your throat can cause bad breath. A throat infection such as tonsillitis, strep throat and mononucleosis can also be the reason for bad breath. Other culprits include some upper respiratory infections and bronchitis due to the coughing up of odorous sputum. Canker sores when in the company of gum disease can also be a source of bad breath.

What can be done about bad breath?

Maintaining good oral hygiene is a critical factor in preventing bad breath. You should brush twice a day using fluoride toothpaste. And clean between your teeth daily with dental floss ensuring to also brush your tongue. Refrain from wearing your dentures at night and clean them well before replacing them the following morning.

Visits to the dentist for a check-up will ensure any issues that cause bad breath may be detected and treated. It is also advisable to receive regular dental cleanings.

How do I find a dentist who treats bad breath?

Identifying the source of your bad breath can be done by a visit to the dentist. A treatment plan can then be developed to manage or eliminate your unpleasant breath.

How is bad breath treated?

Bad breath is generally caused by a problem within the mouth so it is very likely that a dentist can assist you with your problem. It is advisable not to disguise your bad breath when visiting a dentist. This way the dentist can assess the full extent of the problem.

Your dentist will first ascertain whether the source of your bad breath is within your mouth and then propose a treatment plan. You may be referred to a periodontist in the event that you are suffering from gum disease. It may be necessary to visit other health professionals if no oral cause can be identified by the dentist.

How can I help myself?

1. Brush your teeth after you eat. Keep a toothbrush at work to brush after eating.

2. Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and change your toothbrush every three to four months.

3. Learn how to brush your tongue. This will remove dead cells, bacteria and food debris. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush your tongue with at least 5 to 15 strokes.

4. Floss at least once a day. This will remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth.

5. Use a mouthwash recommended by your dentist or pharmacist before going to sleep.

6. Consume plenty of water to keep your mouth moist. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking on sugarless candy also stimulates saliva which washes away food particles and bacteria. Resist coffee, soft drinks or alcohol.

7. Clean your bridge or denture thoroughly at least once a day or as directed by your dentist.

8. Visit your dentist at least twice a year to have your teeth or dentures examined and cleaned.

Will mouthwash help with bad breath?

Typical over-the-counter mouthwashes are usually only a temporary measure in the fight against bad breath. The alcohol contained in most mouthwashes dries your mouth, which actually exacerbates the problem. The ideal time to use mouthwash — the correctly-formulated, alcohol-free kind — is at bedtime, to discourage the bacteria in your mouth that causes bad breath. Your dentist or pharmacist should be able to recommend a suitable mouthwash.

Will sugarless gum help with bad breath?

Bad breath can sometimes be helped by chewing sugarless gum, as it encourages saliva flow. Sulfur particles that cause bad breath are dissolved by saliva. Saliva also cleanses the teeth of bacteria and food particles.

Can talking a lot during the day cause bad breath?

Absolutely — talking excessively can dry your mouth and stimulate bacteria that causes bad breath. The solution is to drink water consistently or place a drop of lemon on your tongue. This will keep you mouth moist and encourage the flow of saliva.

Can my menstrual period cause bad breath?

Actually, yes — women may experience bad breath during their menstrual cycle. The gums become more accommodating for bacteria, sometimes contributing to a temporary bad breath problem. And capillaries running through the gums sometimes burst, releasing a little blood into the gums. An unpleasant odor is produced from bacteria feeding on this blood.