Bad breath is a natural way of life and is typically caused by the foods we eat. With that being said, there are many other reasons for bad breath other than the foods and drinks we consume, as it can sometimes be an underlying issue.
With bad breath affecting 1 in 4 people around the world, and with these causes most often extremely easy to treat, it’s crucial to find out the root cause of the problem by visiting your dentist or hygienist. Some patients find that they have bad breath all the time, whereas others may find this an intermittent problem.
If your bad breath is leaving you feeling embarrassed, please be reassured that most cases can be solved very easily, and there is nothing to be ashamed of. For further advice on ways you can treat bad breath, please keep reading.
What Causes Bad Breath?
If you’re wondering what causes bad breath, then you’ll need to identify lifestyle factors or health conditions that may be contributing to your bad breath. Although poor dental hygiene is one of the most common reasons, this doesn’t necessarily mean your bad breath is caused by bad hygiene. Here are some of the most common causes and ways to treat bad breath.
Food
It goes without saying, food can have a massive impact on bad breath, particularly garlic, onions, spices and chocolate. Even after digesting these foods, the smell and taste can still linger on your breath. While there are many home remedies out there that promise to take this scent away, the best way to resolve bad breath caused by food is to of course limit these foods, but to also maintain good hygiene by brushing your teeth and flossing. If you’re on the go, it can be a good idea to carry mouthwash with you to allow you to have a quick rinse after eating, as well as drinking water during your meal.
Medications
One cause that is most likely out of your control is medications, which can contribute to bad breath through a dry mouth. If you take multiple medications at once, this can also have a bigger impact. As bad breath caused by medications is usually due to a dry mouth, we recommend drinking plenty of water and talking to your GP, who may be able to recommend an alternative medication if the problem persists.
Gum Disease
As a very common condition, gum disease is experienced by most adults in the UK at least once in their lifetime, so shouldn’t be something to feel embarrassed about. Of course, gum disease must be treated straight away, so if you are noticing your gums feeling sore or inflamed, or if they bleed very easily when you brush or floss, you should visit your dentist immediately for a checkup.
Over time, gum diseases can turn into gingivitis, which commonly translates into tender gums and bad breath. As persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth is a common symptom of gum disease, the best advice we can give you is to visit your dentist for treatment and to brush your gums carefully.
A deep dental cleaning may be necessary if you have periodontal disease.
Tobacco Products
Smoking can have several negative impacts on your oral health, including increased risk of mouth cancer, yellowing of the teeth and of course, bad breath. Smokers are also more likely to have gum disease compared to non-smokers.
By cutting down and stopping smoking or using tobacco products your oral health will benefit very quickly and you may also find your bad breath beginning to disappear. As a smoker, it is essential that you come into the practice for regular check-ups so we can help you maintain good oral health.
Body Conditions
Bad breath can also be caused by some conditions related to the mouth, nose or throat. These can include kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), metabolic disorders and even some types of cancers.
While it’s impossible for your dentist to pinpoint any of these conditions, it’s crucial you visit your dentist first to rule out any other common causes of bad breath. If you are experiencing any other symptoms and have concerns about any of the above conditions, please contact your GP immediately.
Poor Dental Hygiene
If you don’t brush or floss daily, food particles can remain in your mouth and cause bad breath. We do recommend reviewing your oral hygiene habits and try to make lifestyle changes. You will also need to ensure that you’re brushing your teeth properly for two minutes, using dental floss and drinking plenty of water.
Plaque buildup around the gums can cause bad breath. Hardened plaque can only be removed through a professional scale and polish which also removes stubborn stains as well as preventing bad breath.
Visit Your London Dentist
If you’re suffering from bad breath, whether it be short-term or long-term, there’s no need to worry or be embarrassed. We can work with you to find the root cause of the problem and can provide you with the necessary treatment or advice to treat your bad breath.
We recommend booking a dental hygiene visit with us for a professional scale and polish. As a professional dentist, we will help you review your oral hygiene and recommend the necessary steps to treat your bad breath. After all, most cases of bad breath are easily treatable.
Hermes Dentists London is an award-winning dental clinic with experience and a proven track record in many dentistry services. Our staff have years of experience and can offer you all sorts of solutions and preventative methods, so you can achieve a natural, healthy smile.
If you want more reasons to smile, then simply contact us today to discuss stress and oral health care– we’d love to help.
