If you’ve noticed that your breath has been less than fresh lately, it may be time to look into the causes of halitosis. Halitosis is a medical term for bad breath, and it can have many different causes. Fortunately, there are various ways to combat halitosis and keep your breath smelling sweet all day long. Let’s take a closer look at what causes halitosis and how you can fight against it.
What Causes Halitosis?
There are many potential causes of halitosis. The most common cause is poor oral hygiene, such as not brushing and flossing regularly or failing to clean your dentures properly. Other possible culprits include eating certain types of foods (such as garlic or onions), smoking cigarettes, vaping, dry mouth (caused by medications or medical conditions), sinus infections, post-nasal drip, and periodontal disease (gum disease).
Other Less Common Causes
Ketoacidosis is a rare cause of bad breath, but it can be very serious. It occurs when the insulin levels of someone with diabetes are too low, and their body begins to break down fat stores instead of sugar. This process produces ketones which can be poisonous in large numbers and give off a distinctive and unpleasant odor. Ketoacidosis is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.
Other rare causes of bad breath include certain medications, kidney failure, liver failure, throat infections, acid reflux disease, chronic bronchitis, and certain metabolic disorders such as phenylketonuria (PKU). Sometimes, bad breath may also be caused by an underlying medical condition such as cancer or HIV/AIDS. If you have persistent bad breath that does not seem to go away with good oral hygiene practices or over-the-counter products, it is important to see your doctor for further evaluation.
How To Avoid Halitosis
Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to treat the source of halitosis:
Brush and Floss Regularly
The first step to avoiding bad breath is to maintain good oral health. Brush and floss regularly with fluoride toothpaste. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once daily, will remove particles of food between your teeth that can cause bad smells. Additionally, regular brushing helps remove harmful plaque buildup on your teeth which can contribute to halitosis.
Mouthwash and Tongue Scrapers
In addition to brushing, use an antibacterial mouthwash to help reduce bacteria in the mouth that lead to unpleasant odors. Tongue scrapers or tongue cleaners are also a great way to clean the back of the tongue, which is where most bacteria live. It is important to note that some mouthwashes contain alcohol which can dry out the mouth, leading to even worse breath! So use an alcohol-free mouthwash if you have dry mouth or chronic halitosis.
Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps keep your body hydrated, which will help keep your mouth moist and your breath smelling fresh! Staying hydrated helps wash away food particles from between your teeth while also helping produce saliva, which helps fight off bacteria growth in the mouth. Drinking water also helps keep your whole body healthy by aiding digestion and helping flush out toxins that can cause unpleasant odors when released through sweat or urine.
Win The Battle Against Bad Breath
Taking care of your oral hygiene is one of the best ways to fight halitosis and keep your breath smelling fresh all day. Following these simple steps can help ensure you won’t have any more embarrassing moments due to bad breath! So don’t delay—start taking better care of your oral health today so you can enjoy fresher breath tomorrow!If you need a dental exam in Denver or teeth cleaning in Denver, schedule your next visit with our experienced Denver dentists. To schedule an appointment, call (303) 321-5656 or complete the online booking form. We welcome patients from Cherry Creek, Englewood, and all surrounding metro communities.