If you have frequent or chronic bad breath, you know how embarrassing normal, everyday interactions can be. The simple act of attending a dinner party or business meeting can be something that causes intense anxiety, keeping you wondering all evening: do they smell my breath? Do I stink?

Bad breath, also referred to as halitosis, is an embarrassing condition faced by people around the world. It can be difficult to determine the severity of your own bad breath, so instead of making an assumption based on what you can identify on your own, it’s best to ask the opinion of a close friend or family member – just be sure to choose someone who you know will tell you the truth!

Unfortunately, some people are simply prone to bad breath. No matter how much they brush, scrape and floss, the bad breath keeps returning.

However, there are many reasons that bad breath can occur, and for most people, it’s preventable.

What causes bad breath? 

The most common causes of bad breath are:

•             Eating food that often causes strong odors, like garlic and onions

•             Decaying food left on teeth causing bacteria to form

•             Decaying food causing deposits in the tonsils, often known as tonsil stones

•             Food getting caught in between the teeth

•             Dry mouth, or lack of saliva

•             Use of tobacco products

How do I fix my bad breath?

There are many things you can do to eliminate or mask bad breath.

These include:

•             Brushing your teeth after you eat to remove any remaining food particles

•             Flossing regularly to remove food that may be caught between the teeth

•             Chewing minty flavoured gum or eating mints (sugar-free please!)

•             Scraping your tongue to remove the bacteria that can get caught in the tiny hairs that cover the surface of your tongue

•             Drinking a lot of water to ensure that your mouth is clean and hydrated

•             Quitting the use of tobacco products

Bad breath is also a side effect of many medications, which is definitely something to discuss with your doctor.

While these are the most common causes and fixes of bad breath, unfortunately bad breath can also be a symptom of something more serious, like an infection in your mouth, or gum disease. If you have persistent bad breath and can’t seem to keep it fresh, be sure to reach out for professional help to rule out any serious medical conditions.

If you suffer from halitosis and amping up your oral hygiene routine isn’t doing the trick, call South Cambridge Dental to schedule a consultation today. We’ll assess the current condition of your oral health, check to make sure that there are no serious medical conditions contributing to your bad breath, and work with you to develop a treatment plan that will have you smelling minty fresh in no time.