Fight Your Halitosis for Once and for All!

If you’re like many people who suffer from bad breath, you may have an emergency pack of mints or gum at your desk or in your bag at all times.

But isn’t there a better way to deal with bad breath?

There’s nothing against minty-fresh breath, but if you’re only chewing or popping mints to conceal a halitosis problem, you’re better off treating your problem from the root cause. To help you find the cause of your persistent bad breath, ask yourself these questions:

1. Am I brushing twice a day, and flossing daily (including using a tongue scraper or brush to clean my tongue every day)?

If oral hygiene isn’t an issue, your bad breath problem may be a result of something else. A significant contributor to bad breath is a bacteria-filled tongue, so remember to brush (or preferably scrape) off all of that smelly gunk regularly!

2. Am I a smoker?

If you smoke or use smokeless tobacco, you can surely blame this for your mouth odor. Smoke/tobacco particles tend to remain in the mouth long after use, contributing to an unpleasant “smoker’s breath”. Quit as soon as you can to ensure a better smelling mouth, and more importantly, better oral health overall.

3. Do I have a bad breath-causing medical condition?

Dry mouth is a condition notorious for causing bad breath. There are certain health conditions and medications that can lead to dry mouth, including diabetes. Alternatively, a condition like gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, creates a highly acidic oral environment which can also cause it to smell. Talk to you doctor or dentist about solutions. A common solution for dry mouth is to simply chew sugarless gum frequently, and drink lots of water throughout the day.

4. Am I a garlic aficionado?

Foods like garlic, onion, and tuna or beverages like coffee or fruit juice are known to cause noticeably bad breath. You’ll probably know if your bad breath is a result of this… so it goes without saying that you can simply avoid their consumption to avoid the bad smell, or temporarily mask the odor with a mint or piece of gum. Bad breath as a result of certain foods or drinks is completely normal!

So… have you been able to crack your bad breath case? If you’ve still been suffering despite making changes, it may be time for a dental appointment. Our Hamilton dentist would be happy to see you to help you solve your bad breath problem (or any oral problem, for that matter). Book a visit with us today!