Having bad breath every once in a while is a fact of life. But constant bad breath can be a sign of something more serious. Learn tips on how to keep your breath smelling sweet—and when it could be time for a checkup.
1. The primary cause of bad breath is odor-producing bacteria on the back of the tongue. The bacteria comes from the food you eat. If practicing good dental hygiene doesn't solve your bad breath problem, see your doctor or dentist.
2. If you don't brush and floss daily, particles of food remain in the mouth, collecting bacteria. Food that collects between the teeth, on the tongue and around the gums can rot, leaving an unpleasant odor.
3. Always brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove food debris and plaque. Use floss once a day to clean between teeth. Don't forget to brush your tongue, too.
4. Certain foods like garlic and onions can affect the air you exhale. Once the food is absorbed into the bloodstream, its odors can be transferred to the lungs, and then exhaled. Odors may persist until the body eliminates the food.
5. It is normal to have bad breath in the morning. Changes that occur in your mouth while you sleep cause morning breath for most people. While you sleep, your mouth becomes dry, so dead cells stick to your tongue and inside your cheeks. When bacteria feed off these cells, the result is a foul odor.
6. People usually can't smell their own breath. Unless you have eaten a certain food that has a very strong odor, you generally become accustomed enough to your own body odors not to notice them.
7. Schedule regular dental visits for a professional cleaning and checkup, and let your dentist know if you've had any surgery or illness since your last appointment. If you're concerned about having bad breath, keep a log of the foods you eat and make a list of medications you take, and share these with your dentist.
8. Chewing gum helps create more saliva in your mouth, but it is not a remedy for bad breath. A better alternative is drinking more water to thoroughly cleanse and wash your mouth.
9. Breath mints, which offer a temporary fix for bad breath, usually contain sugar, which can lead to tooth decay — and that in turn can lead to more bad breath.
10. Sage is a natural remedy for bad breath. Sage contains essential oils with antibacterial properties that eliminate the causes of bad breath instead of just masking it. Sage is especially beneficial if you have gingivitis.
11. Dry mouth caused by sinus infections, some prescription drugs, smoking, dieting and lung infections can cause bad breath.
12. Kidney disease, liver failure and diabetes can cause your breath to have a strange odor.
13. Chlorine dioxide is an ingredient in some mouthwashes. It is effective against bad breath because it destroys the bacteria that cause unpleasant odors.
14. Your dentist may recommend that when you brush your teeth, you also brush your tongue to remove excess plaque.
15. Gum disease can cause gum tissues to pull away from the teeth and form pockets that may need to be cleaned out to remove the bacteria and plaque inside. If you're experiencing bad breath because of gum disease, your dentist can either treat the disease or refer you to a periodontist, a specialist in treating gum tissues.
16. Most toothpastes will freshen your breath. But when choosing a toothpaste, always look for the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance, which ensures that the product inside has been thoroughly evaluated to be safe and effective.
17. If your dentist determines that your mouth is healthy, you may want to see your family physician or a specialist to determine the cause of severe bad breath.
18. A tongue scraper can help get rid of plaque and bacteria that builds up on your tongue and causes bad breath. Start at the back of the tongue and lightly pull the scraper forward.
19. Replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles become frayed. A worn toothbrush will not do a good job of cleaning your teeth.
20. Foods like meat, alcohol and large evening meals in general cause acid-inducing bad breath. If bad breath from acid reflux persists, see your doctor or dentist to rule out a more serious medical or dental condition. Antacids are often used to treat acid reflux.
1. The primary cause of bad breath is odor-producing bacteria on the back of the tongue. The bacteria comes from the food you eat. If practicing good dental hygiene doesn't solve your bad breath problem, see your doctor or dentist.
2. If you don't brush and floss daily, particles of food remain in the mouth, collecting bacteria. Food that collects between the teeth, on the tongue and around the gums can rot, leaving an unpleasant odor.
3. Always brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove food debris and plaque. Use floss once a day to clean between teeth. Don't forget to brush your tongue, too.
4. Certain foods like garlic and onions can affect the air you exhale. Once the food is absorbed into the bloodstream, its odors can be transferred to the lungs, and then exhaled. Odors may persist until the body eliminates the food.
5. It is normal to have bad breath in the morning. Changes that occur in your mouth while you sleep cause morning breath for most people. While you sleep, your mouth becomes dry, so dead cells stick to your tongue and inside your cheeks. When bacteria feed off these cells, the result is a foul odor.
6. People usually can't smell their own breath. Unless you have eaten a certain food that has a very strong odor, you generally become accustomed enough to your own body odors not to notice them.
7. Schedule regular dental visits for a professional cleaning and checkup, and let your dentist know if you've had any surgery or illness since your last appointment. If you're concerned about having bad breath, keep a log of the foods you eat and make a list of medications you take, and share these with your dentist.
8. Chewing gum helps create more saliva in your mouth, but it is not a remedy for bad breath. A better alternative is drinking more water to thoroughly cleanse and wash your mouth.
9. Breath mints, which offer a temporary fix for bad breath, usually contain sugar, which can lead to tooth decay — and that in turn can lead to more bad breath.
10. Sage is a natural remedy for bad breath. Sage contains essential oils with antibacterial properties that eliminate the causes of bad breath instead of just masking it. Sage is especially beneficial if you have gingivitis.
11. Dry mouth caused by sinus infections, some prescription drugs, smoking, dieting and lung infections can cause bad breath.
12. Kidney disease, liver failure and diabetes can cause your breath to have a strange odor.
13. Chlorine dioxide is an ingredient in some mouthwashes. It is effective against bad breath because it destroys the bacteria that cause unpleasant odors.
14. Your dentist may recommend that when you brush your teeth, you also brush your tongue to remove excess plaque.
15. Gum disease can cause gum tissues to pull away from the teeth and form pockets that may need to be cleaned out to remove the bacteria and plaque inside. If you're experiencing bad breath because of gum disease, your dentist can either treat the disease or refer you to a periodontist, a specialist in treating gum tissues.
16. Most toothpastes will freshen your breath. But when choosing a toothpaste, always look for the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance, which ensures that the product inside has been thoroughly evaluated to be safe and effective.
17. If your dentist determines that your mouth is healthy, you may want to see your family physician or a specialist to determine the cause of severe bad breath.
18. A tongue scraper can help get rid of plaque and bacteria that builds up on your tongue and causes bad breath. Start at the back of the tongue and lightly pull the scraper forward.
19. Replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles become frayed. A worn toothbrush will not do a good job of cleaning your teeth.
20. Foods like meat, alcohol and large evening meals in general cause acid-inducing bad breath. If bad breath from acid reflux persists, see your doctor or dentist to rule out a more serious medical or dental condition. Antacids are often used to treat acid reflux.
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