Halitosis or bad breath is most commonly caused by infrequent, or ineffective, brushing and flossing.
Causes of bad breath
If plaque is not effectively removed from the teeth regularly, bacteria in this plaque can develop an unpleasant odour, and this is transferred to your breath. Similarly, any food debris left in your mouth for an extended period of time will soil and eventually give off an undesirable smell.
Practising good oral hygiene is a crucial first step in treating halitosis.
Here are some steps you can take to treat and prevent bad breath.
Brush twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste
Floss daily to remove the bacteria your toothbrush can’t reach
Minimise intake of strongly scented foods and drinks
Stay hydrated to prevent your mouth from drying out
Schedule six-monthly professional dental cleans
Brush your tongue and buy a tongue scraper
Chew sugar-free gum between meals
Avoid smoking
Frequently Asked Questions
I practice good oral hygiene but still have bad breath. What else can help?
There is no one treatment for halitosis, as the treatment will depend on what is causing the problem.
Dry mouth (“xerostomia”) is one of the leading causes of halitosis. Saliva has an important role in helping to clear away food and debris from your mouth after eating. If you are not producing enough saliva, this cleansing action is limited and food may be left in your mouth.
The kinds of food and drinks you consume can also give you bad breath. Generally, these foods or drinks will only cause bad breath for as long as they are in your system. The aromas in foods such as garlic and onion, or drinks such as coffee or alcohol, are absorbed into the bloodstream where they are then transferred to the lungs. Once here, the scent can freely escape through your mouth when you breathe.
If you are a smoker, this can also be contributing to bad breath. Smoking not only dries up your saliva but also causes an accumulation of bacteria in your mouth. The smoke and its associated chemicals are also inhaled deep into your lungs, which allows the scent to be later exhaled when you breathe.
People with chronic sinusitis may find the use of a saline nasal spray helpful. A course of antibiotics, effective against anaerobic bacteria (such as metronidazole, to reduce the overgrowth of sulphur-producing bacteria), may also help.
What should I do if my bad breath persists?
If bad breath continues, your dentist or hygienist can help diagnose the cause and provide guidance on how to reverse it. If the problem appears to be related to a systemic issue, we can refer you to a specialist who can help identify and address the underlying cause.
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