In 85 to 90% of the cases, bad breath originates from the mouth. The most common causes are from the food we are eating such as garlic, cheese, onions, meat, fish or from obesity, smoking and alcohol consumption.
It’s very normal to have a “morning breath” because during the night the mouth is inactive and less exposed to oxygen. Brushing, flossing or rinsing with a mouthwash, your bad breath will disappear.
At other times, though, bad breath can be continuous (chronic bad breath), meaning that regular cleaning will not be enough. This is a serious condition that will negatively affect the individual’s personal, social and business relationships, leading to poor self-esteem and increased anxiety.
There are many dental causes related to chronic bad breath such as bad restorations, plaque accumulation, periodontal disease, tooth abscess, cysts and more. The causes can be determined during your first consultation, where we will seek to pinpoint the root of your problem and refer to a family physician if needed.
Few tips to help reduce your bad breath
- Drink lots of water. This will keep your mouth moist. Chewing gum (preferably sugarless) or sucking on candy (preferably sugarless) also stimulates the production of saliva, which helps wash away food particles and bacteria. Gums and mints containing xylitol are best.
- Stop smoking and chewing tobacco-based products.
- SKeep a log of the foods you eat. If you think they may be causing bad breath, bring the log to your dentist to review. Similarly, make a list of the medications you take. Some drugs may play a big role in creating mouth odors.
