Perhaps co-workers or family members retreat when you talk near them or they casually cover their nose. You may suffer from dreaded halitosis, or, maybe you know someone who has chronic bad breath.
The Causes of Bad Breath
Halitosis has many causes. These include
Poor dental hygiene habits - Failure to brush at least twice a day and floss once daily can result in bad breath.
Dehydration - If you don’t produce enough saliva, bad breath can result. Always be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. You also can chew on sugar-free gum to promote saliva production.
Offending foods - Perhaps you love onions and garlic, but they don’t love you back. Though they are excellent for one’s health, these stinky foods are at the top of the list when it comes to promoting halitosis. That’s because the foul-smelling sulfur compounds in garlic and onions remain in your mouth and are absorbed in the bloodstream and ejected when you exhale.
Health problems - Chronic bad breath could indicate that you have gum disease which is caused by plaque buildup on the teeth. Diabetes, kidney failure, acid reflux, and allergies are some of the other conditions associated with bad breath.
Obesity - According to a study, there’s a direct connection between obesity and bad breath. The study revealed that the heavier you are, the more likely your breath will smell foul to those around you. Maintaining a healthy weight not only can allow you to enjoy overall better health but fresher breath too.
Ways to Get Rid of Bad Breath
- Brush and floss regularly
- Keep your gums clean
- Brush your tongue
- Keep your mouth moist
- Avoid offending foods such as garlic and onions
- Stop smoking
Practicing good oral hygiene habits and visiting the dentist for routine cleanings can go a long way towards keeping your breath fresh. Book your dental examination today, so you don’t wake up with bad breath tomorrow!