10 Useful Tips to Get Rid of Bad Breath

Bad breath – otherwise known as halitosis – is very common and affects most of us at some point in our lives. However, for some it can be a persistent problem that’s worth exploring further.

What causes bad breath?

Numerous factors can cause bad breath, including an ineffective oral care routine, having a dry mouth, lingering food smells, or other health problems such as diabetes. What do we mean by an ‘ineffective oral care routine’ I hear you ask? If you don’t brush and floss regularly food particles can remain in your mouth, lodged between your teeth. This causes bad breath over time since the food has been partially broken down by the enzymes in your saliva. After enough time, especially if food particles often get stuck in the same places, a colourless, sticky film of bacteria called plaque forms on your teeth. If not brushed away, or treated by a hygienist, plaque can irritate your gums and eventually form plaque-filled pockets between your teeth and your gums. This severe gum infection is known as periodontitis and can lead to tooth loss. Good oral hygiene can prevent this from happening.

Does a low carb diet cause bad breath?

Low-carb diets can be beneficial to your teeth and overall health, but some people on these diets report suffering from bad breath. Is there any basis to that claim? People on a keto or low-carb diet tend to release acetone, one of the main culprits of strong-smelling breath. Low-carb diets tend to be high in protein, and protein breakdown can cause bad breath. However, there are many other causes of bad breath, most commonly inadequate hygiene habits.

Bad Breath Treatment

Here are a few tips for treating and getting rid of bad breath:

1. Ensure you brush your teeth twice a day and maintain regular dentist check-ups. Rinse your mouth out thoroughly with water if you’re unable to brush after eating.
2. Make sure to floss throughout the day. This removes trapped food that may start to smell after time.
3. A tongue scraper can help clean parts of the tongue missed when you are brushing your teeth.
4. Switch to an alcohol-free mouthwash as alcohol can cause a dry mouth and lead to bad breath.
5. Chew sugar-free gum, this also stimulates the production of saliva, preventing your mouth from drying out.
6. Snack on crunchy fruits on veg such as apples, pears, carrots, celery and cucumbers to encourage saliva production.
7. Eat fruits that are rich in Vitamin C like guavas and berries. Vitamin C helps fight gum diseases and gingivitis which cause bad breath.
8. Avoid foods that make your breath sour such as onions, garlic and tinned tuna.
9. If you take any medication, make sure to inform your dentist about them as a lot of medicines can cause a dry mouth.
10. Quit smoking

Getting Rid of Bad Breath

If you continue to suffer with bad breath despite your best efforts to get rid of bad breath then please get in touch with us at Twenty One Dental. You may have an underlying health condition or we may be able to do more to help.