Do you have bad breath? So, don’t panic because you’re not alone! Bad breath or Halitosis is a common problem affecting millions worldwide, and there are many causes of Halitosis. Keep reading to learn more about some of the most common causes of Halitosis and tips on how to get rid of Halitosis.

Causes of Halitosis

To understand how to get rid of Halitosis, you must first look at its probable causes:

• The most common cause of Halitosis is dietary choices. Foods with a strong smell like onions or garlic cause bad breath, especially if you don’t brush your teeth after eating. The same is true of coffee and other drinks, like diet sodas. Sugar in sugary foods adheres to your teeth, and as sugar roots, it causes a strong odor.
• Dieting can also cause Halitosis. It’s not only about what you eat but also what you don’t eat that may lead to Halitosis. For instance, low-carb diets can cause Halitosis. Because your body burns fat (instead of carbohydrates) for energy, it produces a foul-smelling end-product known as ketones that can lead to bad breath.
• Poor hygiene is another common cause of Halitosis. Skipping a single brushing here and there might not be the end of the world, but not doing it regularly, you might end up with bad breath. The same is true of flossing – if you don’t do it regularly, food particles can get stuck between your teeth and cause an unpleasant odor.
• Aside from staining your teeth, smoking damages your gums and causes bad breath and chewing tobacco has the same effect.
• Dry mouth also causes Halitosis or bad breath, also known as xerostomia. Medications and salivary gland problems can cause dry mouth or simply not drinking enough water. When your mouth doesn’t produce enough saliva, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, which can lead to gum disease, another cause of bad breath.

How to get rid of Halitosis?

Improving your breath and keeping your teeth and gums healthy simultaneously is easy. Try these simple steps to get rid of Halitosis and make your mouth feel fresh and clean.

1. Brush and floss more often

Brushing and flossing more often is a great way to combat Halitosis. The sticky buildup on the teeth collects bacteria that cause Halitosis, and trapped food adds to the problem. Brush your teeth at least twice daily; if you’re concerned about your Halitosis, do it a little more often. Just be sure not to overdo it – if you brush too hard, you may wear down the teeth, making them vulnerable to decay.

2. Rinse your mouth out

In addition to brushing and flossing, rinsing your mouth with mouthwash is also an effective way to get rid of Halitosis. Mouthwashes that contain fluoride can help protect your teeth from decay. Be sure to choose a mouthwash that kills the bacteria that cause Halitosis.

3. Scrape your tongue

Scraping your tongue is a good way to get rid of smelly bacteria. Simply brush your tongue with your toothbrush, or use a scraper to reach the back of your tongue comfortably, and this will remove bacteria, food debris, or dead cells that brushing alone can’t take care of.

4. Avoid foods that sour your breath

Avoiding foods that sour your breath is another effective way to get rid of Halitosis and keep your breath fresh. Onions and garlic are two of the biggest offenders, but brushing after eating them doesn’t help. These substances that cause bad smells make their way into your bloodstream and travel to your lungs, where you breathe them out. So if you want to avoid having Halitosis, it’s best to avoid these foods altogether.

5. Kick the tobacco habit

Tobacco use is one of the leading causes of Halitosis. Cigarette smoking stains your teeth, damages your gums, and dries out your mouth. This dryness creates an environment where bacteria can thrive, causing bad breath. If you smoke tobacco, the best thing you can do for your good oral health is to quit. Over-the-counter nicotine patches can help you deal with the urge to smoke, and many quit-smoking programs can give you the support you require to kick the habit for good.

6. Skip after-dinner mints & chew gum instead

Another way to prevent bad breath is skipping after-dinner mints and chewing sugarless gum instead. The bacteria in your mouth love sugar and use it to produce acid, and this acid wears down your teeth and causes Halitosis. Chewing gum stimulates saliva production helping to rinse away the bacteria and acids that cause bad breath.

7. Keep your gums healthy

Keeping gums healthy to get rid of Halitosis is important. Gum disease can cause bacteria to collect in pockets at the base of teeth, leading to inflammation, bleeding, and bad breath. To keep your gums healthy, see a dentist for regular cleanings.

8. Moisten your mouth.

Dry mouth is another cause of Halitosis. Saliva is nature’s way of cleansing your mouth and keeping it healthy. When you have a dry mouth, less saliva can wash away bacteria and food particles. Drinking plenty of water or using a saliva substitute can help alleviate dry mouth symptoms and keep your breath fresh.

Are you searching for the best treatment to get rid of Halitosis in Minneapolis, MN? Contact Minneapolis Dental today!

Mostly Halitosis originates in the mouth and can be treated with improved dental hygiene. However, in some cases, bad breath is a symptom of a more serious condition such as kidney failure, Diabetic Ketoacidosis, or an infection.

If your problem with Halitosis continues despite your best efforts, make an appointment with an experienced dentist at Minneapolis Dental to see if your problems are related to a medical condition. So, contact us today!