Bad Breath: What Causes It and What to Do About It?
Let's face it, we all know at least someone that has bad breath. And we are not talking about the kind of bad breath that occurs after having food that has garlic or other strong ingredients in it. Here we are talking about the kind of bad breath that lingers even after you clean your teeth. Having bad breath is not a bad thing considering almost everyone has suffered from it at some point. Is there any natural bad breath treatment?
If you are one of them, this article will be your guide to understanding what bad breath is and how to combat it with the correct oral care products. Is there any natural mouthwash for bad breath? Read on to find out.
What is Bad Breath?
Bad breath, also known medically as halitosis is the bad smell that comes from a person's mouth when they open their mouth while exhaling or while eating and drinking.
What Are the Causes of Bad Breath?
Bad breath is mostly caused by a poor oral care routine. Our mouths are a breeding ground for lots of different kinds of bacteria some of which do more harm than good. When you eat and drink, these bacteria feast on the sugars that are present in the food which get stuck between our teeth.
As a result, the bacteria produce certain compounds that not only erode our teeth' enamel to cause issues like cavities and decay but also produce bad breath. There are other causes of bad breath, let's look at some of them below.
Dry Mouth
Saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health by washing away food particles, bacteria, and dead cells. It also helps neutralize acids and prevent the growth of odour-causing bacteria. When there is a lack of saliva, the mouth becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to the production of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) responsible for the foul odour associated with bad breath.
Gum Issues
Gum disease is an infection of the gums and tissues that surround and support the teeth. It typically occurs due to poor oral hygiene, allowing plaque and tartar to build up on the teeth and along the gum line. When left untreated, gum disease can lead to inflammation, bleeding gums, receding gums, and ultimately, tooth loss.
One of the prominent symptoms of gum disease is persistent bad breath. The bacteria present in plaque release toxins that irritate the gums and contribute to the development of gum disease. As the infection progresses, the gums become more inflamed, forming pockets between the teeth and gums. These pockets provide a favourable environment for bacteria to multiply and produce foul-smelling by products.
Certain Foods
Consuming onions, garlic, or other pungent foods leads to the absorption of oils by your stomach during the digestion process. These oils then enter your bloodstream and make their way to your lungs.
As a result, a noticeable odour can emanate from your breath for as long as 72 hours. Additionally, consuming aromatic beverages like coffee can also contribute to the presence of unpleasant breath.
Other Diseases
There are several medical conditions that can contribute to persistent bad breath, medically known as halitosis. One such condition is chronic sinusitis, which is characterized by inflammation and infection of the sinuses. The presence of mucus and bacteria in the sinuses can emit an unpleasant odour that is noticeable in the breath.
Another condition is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus, causing an acidic taste and odour in the mouth. Additionally, kidney or liver problems can result in a build-up of toxins in the body, leading to foul-smelling breath.
Tips for Bad Breath Treatment!
Having bad breath ruins your confidence and it also makes people around you uncomfortable. However, you'd be surprised to know that there are several bad breath treatment options available. Here are some:
1. Oral Hygiene
One of the most important steps towards fighting bad breath is to have good oral care hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth with good toothpaste every time you eat.
You should also follow that up by flossing and using a good mouthwash such as teeth-a-bit's Multi-Purpose Mouthwash tablets. This product is specially made to fight the root cause of bad breath which is stopping the growth of bad bacteria in your mouth and they come in different flavours namely Cardamom Fennel Mint, Clove Cinnamon Mint and Lavender Mint.
One of the top reasons why teeth-a-bit's multi-purpose mouthwash Tablets for bad breath is the right choice is because it is made with 100% plant-based ingredients like thymol, fennel, mint and menthol and does not contain any chemicals that could otherwise harm your teeth.
These ingredients help thoroughly clean the mouth thanks to their anti-microbial properties which kill the pathogens that cause bad breath. In addition, the mouthwash is also great for plaque and cavity protection.
2. Visit the Dentist
Schedule regular dental visits to address any oral health issues such as gum disease, tooth decay, or infections that may contribute to bad breath. Your dentist can provide guidance specific to your oral health needs.
3. Prevent Dry Mouth
Dry mouth can contribute to bad breath. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Chewing sugar-free gum or using saliva substitutes can help stimulate saliva production and alleviate dry mouth symptoms.
4. Change Lifestyle
Limit or avoid tobacco use and reduce alcohol consumption, as they can contribute to bad breath. Make healthier dietary choices by reducing the intake of strong-smelling foods like garlic and onions.
Takeaway
Bad breath is a fairly common oral condition that plagues everyone at some point in their lives. Even though a host of conditions cause bad breath such as chronic medical issues, certain types of food, having oral issues, the number one cause can be attributed to having a poor oral hygiene routine.
If you are seeking help for treating bad breath the first and foremost thing you can do is to clean your teeth regularly and properly. Additionally, you can adopt a better lifestyle and limit the use of certain medications that contribute to bad breath by reducing saliva production in your mouth.
Avail our best mouthwash for bad breath.
