What’s Really Causing That Awful Smell?
No one likes having bad breath—and no one likes to smell it! While the solution could be something simple like an improved oral regimen, it could also be a symptom of something more serious. Let’s dive into a few common causes of bad breath and a few things you can do to fix it.
1. Pungent Foods
Who doesn’t love onions on their hamburger? Garlic bread appetizers are a must at any restaurant, too—and those delicious examples are just two ways you wreak havoc on your breath! All kinds of foods can make our breath smell, and you bet people notice.
2. Coffee
Speaking of which, coffee is another common culprit for smelly breath. It clings to the tongue and teeth and even earned its own moniker: coffee breath. Regardless of how small your cup is, a morning mug of joe will linger.
3. Alcohol
It’s not fair to blame bad breath on coffee alone. Alcohol is a surefire way to experience dry mouth; a lack of saliva allows bacteria to live in your mouth rent-free. Not only that, but alcohol also allows bacteria to live in your mouth for nearly ten hours after consumption.
4. Poor Oral Care
Fresh breath starts at home, and poor oral care causes all sorts of problems. From plaque buildup to unpleasant breath, lackluster brushing doesn’t do you any favors. Perhaps worst of all is foregoing a good tongue scrape—where most bacteria live.
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5. Skipping Floss
We all hate doing it, but oral care isn’t complete without floss. You need to do it at least once a day to really get between those chompers and clean out debris. Bad breath is the least of your worries without it, too. When you skip flossing, you have a greater chance of gum disease.
6. Dry Mouth
Of course, it’s not only food and drink that play a role. Dry mouth is another classic reason for bad breath, and unfortunately, many things can cause it. Anything from nicotine to dehydration can dry out your mouth, but don’t rule out health concerns like diabetes or stress either.
7. Dental Fixtures
Retainers, bridges, and dentures are all popular fixtures that can cause bad breath. The best way to combat any odor is to clean any fixtures as thoroughly as your own teeth. Bacteria builds on neglected accessories, so don’t forget to scrub them.
8. High-Sugar Diets
We’re not out of the snack aisle yet! High-sugar diets don’t do any good for our bodies, but they’re just as terrible for our breath. All that sugar can lead to plaque, which is bad enough, but it also doesn’t mesh with the bacteria already in our mouths.
9. Not Eating All Day
Food isn’t the only thing that causes bad breath—interestingly enough, not eating all day can also cause serious odor. The reason why is that you don’t produce any saliva, and we all know what dry mouth does to our breath.
10. Health Concerns
Bad breath is also caused by serious health concerns, so it’s important to visit your dentist or doctor. Bad breath is often a symptom of diabetes, tonsil stones, gum disease, or even sinusitis, so don’t skip appointments with your specialist.
With a few classic reasons out of the way, let’s dive into a few remedies that tackle smelly breath.
1. Make Sure You Brush Properly
Teeth brushing is more than just a thirty-second trip to the sink. You need to brush at least twice a day, use the proper motion, get in behind your teeth, and scrape your tongue clean. You can also invest in the right tools, such as an electric toothbrush or a tongue scraper.
2. Don’t Skip the Floss
It doesn’t matter how tired you are before bed—floss your teeth! Remember: you don’t always need to spring for the spool. You can also use a Waterpik for a thorough clean, and dentists may recommend it depending on your teeth.
3. Use the Right Mouthwash
With so many mouthwashes to choose from, we know it’s hard to land on the right one. However, you can always consult your dentist about which brand makes the most sense for you. They may even provide you with a trial size at your appointment!
4. Stay Hydrated
Water is great for a lot of things, least of all our teeth. Not only does it keep you hydrated (which fights dry mouth), but it also helps to flush away any annoying debris from your teeth. Keep a bottle handy for both your body and your mouth.
5. Frequent Check-Ups
One of the best ways to maintain oral health is by visiting your dentist. Whether it’s a pesky cavity or a buildup of plaque, the professionals spot things we don’t—and they have the tools to fix them. Book an appointment if you ever notice anything weird.
6. Chew Sugar-Free Gum
Not everyone remembers to drink their water. If that sounds like you, another good way to keep your mouth moist is with sugar-free gum. It increases saliva production and can also help remove particles from your teeth.
7. Eat the Right Foods
Our diet is a big part of our overall health, and that includes our teeth. Foods high in water content, like apples and lettuce, make healthy snacks that also produce saliva and help remove particles. Crunchy foods like carrots and celery can also help!
8. Try to Quit Smoking
It’s no easy feat to quit smoking, but if you needed another reason to do so, this is it. Tobacco causes all kinds of problems for our mouths: gum disease, dry mouth, and a greater risk of oral cancer.
9. Get Your Semi-Annual Cleanings
Even those with a clean bill of health should visit their dentist twice a year. Those semi-annual cleanings ensure you haven’t developed any problems and keep your teeth in tip-top shape. The last thing you want is to develop a habit of not going!
10. Talk to a Specialist
As we mentioned before, you never know what’s going on in your mouth until you talk to someone. But if it’s a bigger health concern, like diabetes or disease, you need to consult a professional for next steps. They’d prescribe medication or suggest any dietary restrictions you may need, which helps keep every part of you healthy.
