Asian Woman Covering Her Mouth And Smell Her Breath With Hands U

Top Six Causes of Bad Breath

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With the holidays approaching, you’ll be socializing with family, friends, and coworkers. Between figuring out what to wear, finding something to bring as a host/hostess gift, and dealing with traffic, the last thing you want to worry about at a holiday event is how your breath smells. You can avoid discreetly breathing into your hand to check your breath (we’ve all done it) by understanding the top causes of bad breath.

  1. Food. Certain foods are more flavorful than others—like garlic, onions, spices, etc.—and definitely impact how your breath smells. After eating these foods, particles enter the bloodstream and make their way to the lungs. The odor from these foods is present in your breath when you exhale, sometimes for up to 24 hours. If you have a big event coming up, stick to more mild foods the day before.
  2.  Poor dental care is one of the most common causes of bad breath. Cleaning your teeth regularly helps to remove food residue from the mouth. If this residue is left in the mouth for too long, your breath will begin to smell. Remember to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes (including the tongue), floss, and use mouthwash. If you wear dentures, clean them twice a day as well.
  3.  Dry mouth. Saliva is important in keeping the mouth clean and washing away food particles throughout the day. When saliva production is limited, dry mouth occurs, and food is left in place, which causes bad breath. Dry mouth can be addressed by drinking more water, using a humidifier, limiting caffeinated or alcoholic drinks, and practicing good oral hygiene. Dentists can also recommend gels, lozenges, or sprays to increase saliva production.
  4.  Tobacco use. Smoking and chewing tobacco are bad for a multitude of reasons, including its capacity to cause bad breath. The chemicals found in tobacco make their way into the bloodstream like smelly food and infiltrate your breath. On top of that, tobacco can cause gum disease and dry mouth, which also contributes to bad breath.
  5.  Digestive issues. Gut health impacts many of the body’s systems, including the mouth. Poor digestion or untreated bowel disorders may cause bad breath. See a doctor for guidance on how to improve your digestive health, and your bad breath may improve as well.
  6.  Sickness. Cold season is known for causing respiratory tract infections that leave you feeling stuffy and sneezy. Mucus that builds up in the sinuses often drips down into the throat, causing bad breath. If you get a cold before an event, do your best to treat it using medications, and don’t forget to rest and hydrate!

Dental issues like gum disease, cavities, and infection can also cause bad breath. Schedule your next appointment at Vacendak Dentistry today to keep your mouth clean and your breath smelling good.