Everyone can agree on one thing… Bad breath stinks! If you or someone you know suffers from bad breath, you know how embarrassing it can be at any given place and point. No one wants to learn that they have bad breath, and telling someone that they have bad breath can be equally awkward. Still, it’s better to know than not know.
If you suspect you have bad breath (Note: It’s not always easy to detect coming from yourself) you may want to ask a friend to give you an honest opinion.
There are several reasons why someone may have bad breath:
- Dry mouth—xerostomia—may contribute to bad breath because saliva, which normally helps cleanse your mouth, is not present.
- Foods such as garlic and onions may cause bad breath. Food particles in and around your teeth may breakdown and create foul-smelling bacteria.
- Infections such as gum disease or tooth decay.
- Lack of proper dental hygiene.
- Medications may cause dry mouth, which leads to bad breath.
Things that you can do to prevent or reduce bad breath include brushing your teeth after you eat, brushing your tongue, cleaning your dentures (if you have them), flossing once a day, regularly buying a new toothbrush every three months, scheduling regular dental checkups, and adjusting your diet.
The best thing to do if you are having a hard time getting rid of bad breath is to make a morning appointment with your dentist. Depending on what your dentist determines, he or she may recommend a mouthwash that kills bacteria or, if you have gum disease, he or she may refer you to a gum specialist.