I have been told I have bad breath. What can I do to get rid of it?
Bad breath or halitosis can leave you feeling self-conscious around others. Mints and mouthwash provide only temporary relief to the problem. Understanding the causes can help you make changes to improve and prevent bad breath.
Most bad breath comes from food particles stuck between teeth, around the gums and on your tongue. As food particles break down, bacteria grow and the bad smell is produced. Certain foods, like onions and garlic are known to be a cause of bad breath.
Poor dental hygiene and gum disease can be another reason for bad breath. If you do not brush and floss your teeth daily, food particles stay in your mouth and plaque forms on your teeth. Plaque can lead to gum disease as well as tooth decay if not brushed away.
Another cause of offensive breath is dry mouth. Dry mouth usually occurs when we sleep because saliva production is decreased. This results in "morning breath". This is also the case if you are dehydrated or not drinking enough water to keep your mouth moist. Smoking dries out your mouth and adds to bad breath. In most cases, bad breath can be improved through self care.
There are many self care measures to improve and prevent bad breath. Brush your teeth and tongue after meals and floss at least once a day. Drink six to eight glasses of water per day. Visit your dentist twice a year to have your teeth checked and cleaned. If your breath does not improve, follow up with your dentist or doctor. There may be a medical reason for foul-smelling breath.
For more information about caring for your teeth, contact Capital Health Link where nurses are available 24-7 to provide health advice and information. Call 408-LINK (5465) or toll free 1-866-408-LINK.
Disclaimer
Reviewed by Alberta clinical experts. Brought to you by HealthLink Alberta. Copyright.
This material is designed for information purposes only. It should not be used in place of medical advice, instruction and/or treatment. For more health advice call Capital Health Link at 780-408-LINK (5465) 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In Alberta, call Toll-free: 1-866-408-LINK (5465)
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