5 Causes of Bad Breath

If your friends and family members keep their distance from you when you’re speaking to them, you may be suffering from bad breath. If you suspect you have an issue with your breath, it’s recommended that you visit a bad breath clinic in Melbourne. Once a dentist identifies the cause of your bad breath, they can help you address it. This article details 5 factors that may be causing your bad breath.

bad breath

Eating Strong Smelling Foods

The foods that you eat may be contributing to your bad breath. If this is the case, making dietary changes could eliminate the problem. The most common food items that tend to cause an issue include strong foods such as garlic, chilli, onions, tuna and dairy items. Drinks such as alcohol and coffee can also contribute to bad breath.

Being Dehydrated

Dehydration can lead to bad breath because it causes a dry mouth. It also reduces the production of saliva, which adds to the problem. You may be able to remedy this problem by increasing your daily intake of water to at least 8 glasses of water per day. If you’re not drinking that much, the chances are that you’re not drinking enough water to keep your mouth sufficiently lubricated.

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is one of the main causes of bad breath. Decay can cause tissue to die, and that dying tissue can start to smell rather pungent. Fortunately, good dental hygiene and extra preventive methods can help you reduce the amount of decay in your mouth. Try using an antiseptic mouthwash, or chew on sugar-free gum throughout the day to help ward off bacteria and prevent decay. Chewing gum tends to stimulate the salivary glands, causing the production of saliva that fights bacteria.

Underlying Illness

Bad breath can be caused by underlying illnesses which need treating. An example of such an underlying disease is diabetes. Other medical conditions that can cause bad breath include kidney disease, liver disease and Crohn’s disease. Diseases that occur inside the mouth like gingivitis and periodontitis can also cause bad breath, especially when they cause bleeding to occur.

Poor Dental Hygiene Practices

Poor dental hygiene habits are a common reason why people seek out bad breath treatment. Food particles that are left inside the mouth and bacteria on the tongue can cause bad breath, making it important to maintain good oral hygiene. A healthy dental hygiene routine should involve daily flossing and brushing, as well as regular trips to the dentist at least once every six months to ensure your teeth are in optimal health.

A good practice is to rinse your mouth out and brush your teeth soon after eating a meal. You should also floss after each meal to prevent getting food stuck in your teeth, which can cause bacteria that leads to bad breath. If you improve your hygiene habits, you may be able to reduce your bad breath and avoid having to visit a bad breath clinic in Melbourne.