how to treat and fix bad breath halitosis brooklin dentist

What Causes Halitosis And What Can You Do About It?

September 12, 2022

We’ve all experienced bad breath at some point. It is an extremely common condition that many people encounter, either short-term or long-term. Bad breath’s official term is “halitosis.” If halitosis is persistent, or other people notice it, there is an underlying cause. The good thing about halitosis is that once the reason is pinpointed, it can be pretty easy to treat.

Why Do We Experience Halitosis? 

  • Maintaining good oral hygiene habits is essential to prevent halitosis, gum disease, and cavities. The most common cause of halitosis is bacteria buildup in the mouth. This can be on the teeth, gums and even the tongue. 
  • You may also experience halitosis if you haven’t had a professional dental cleaning. Even with proper brushing and flossing at home, bacteria can still accumulate in areas that are out of reach.
  • Smoking is another common contributor to halitosis. The combination of tobacco, smoke and dried-out tissues are all factors for halitosis. 
  • What you eat can play a role in halitosis. Pungent foods such as garlic, onions and coffee can contribute to short-term halitosis. Luckily this will go away after the foods are no longer consumed. 
  • A dry mouth also causes halitosis. When there is minimal saliva to rinse away bacteria, it accumulates in the mouth and creates an odour. 
  • Certain medications, such as antihistamines, can also cause halitosis. 
  • On rare occasions, halitosis can be caused by gastrointestinal, as well as some respiratory infections, chronic sinusitis and even diabetes and kidney infections, so talk to your doctor if your halitosis is persistent. 

Some Solutions for Your Halitosis 

The most important habit you can form to prevent halitosis is to brush and floss your teeth and rinse your mouth. By brushing twice daily, flossing daily, and rinsing daily, you are helping to reduce bacteria buildup that contributes to odours.

Use an electric toothbrush to help you achieve optimal plaque removal and mouthwash that doesn’t contain alcohol not to dry out your mouth. Be sure to limit your caffeine and alcohol consumption and drink adequate water each day. Lastly, don’t forget to brush your tongue! Your tongue is a rough surface containing many taste buds. Bacteria will get trapped and stick around, contributing to bad breath.

If you are experiencing halitosis, we ask you to contact us today to schedule an appointment.

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