As the Principal Dentist at tooth, a frequent concern that patients quietly share with me is bad breath. It’s far more common than you might think, which can be reassuring, and the good news is that in most cases, it’s completely treatable.
Bad breath (also known as halitosis) can affect your confidence, social interactions, and even your overall wellbeing. Understanding why it happens is the first step to fixing it, so in this blog, I’ll explian the most frequent causes of bad breath and the practical steps you can take to keep your breath fresher for longer.
What Causes Bad Breath?
1. Poor Oral Hygiene
The number one cause of bad breath is inadequate cleaning. When plaque and food debris sit on your teeth, tongue, and gums, bacteria break them down, releasing unpleasant odours. Many patients are surprised to discover how much bacteria accumulates on the tongue alone!
2. Gum Disease
If you notice persistent bad breath accompanied by bleeding gums, gum disease may be the cause. Gingivitis and periodontitis create deep pockets around the teeth where harmful bacteria flourish, releasing strong sulphur-like smells.
3. Dry Mouth (known as Xerostomia)
Saliva acts as your mouth’s natural cleanser, washing away bacteria and food particles. When you experience dry mouth, which could be due to dehydration, mouth breathing, medications, or medical conditions or similar, then odours can quickly build up.
4. Diet and Lifestyle
Foods like garlic, onions, spices, coffee, and alcohol can cause temporary bad breath. Smoking also leaves a lingering smell while contributing to gum disease and dry mouth, which only worsen the problem.
5. Dental Issues
Tooth decay, broken fillings, food trapped under crowns, and poorly fitting dentures can all harbour bacteria that lead to bad breath.
6. Medical Conditions
Occasionally, halitosis can be linked to sinus infections, acid reflux, tonsil stones, or systemic health issues. If my team or I suspect this during your dental visit at tooth, we’ll guide you accordingly.
How to Prevent and Treat Bad Breath
1. Brush Twice Daily… Properly
Use a fluoride toothpaste and ensure you’re brushing all surfaces of the teeth for a full two minutes. Electric toothbrushes are especially effective at removing plaque, and I often recommend them to patients at tooth. Your Dentist or Dental Hygienist can advise what’s best for you.
2. Don’t Forget Your Tongue!
Your tongue is one of the biggest contributors to bad breath. Use a gentle tongue scraper or your toothbrush to clean away the layer of bacteria that forms on the surface.
3. Floss or Use Interdental Brushes Daily
Regular brushing only cleans about 60% of the tooth surface. Flossing or using interdental brushes will remove plaque and food between the teeth that would otherwise lead to odour and gum inflammation.
4. Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps maintain saliva flow and keeps your mouth fresher. Sugar-free chewing gum can also stimulate saliva and reduce dryness.
5. Regular Dental and Hygiene Appointments
Seeing your Dentist and Dental Hygienist every six months allows us to remove plaque and tartar buildup, which is a key cause of bad breath. Professional dental cleaning leaves your mouth cleaner than brushing alone ever could, so make sure dental check-ups and dental hygiene appointments at tooth are part of your routine!
6. Stop Smoking
Smoking is one of the fastest ways to dry the mouth, stain teeth, irritate gums, and create strong odours. Quitting improves both oral and general health and will significantly improve breath freshness.
7. Consider an Antibacterial Mouthwash
Certain mouthwashes help reduce bacteria and improve breath. However, they should be used alongside proper brushing and interdental cleaning and never as a replacement.
I have bad breath, should I see a Dentist?
If you’ve made changes to your hygiene routine but still notice persistent bad breath, it’s time for a professional assessment. At tooth, we can identify whether gum disease, trapped food, infections, dry mouth, or dental issues may be contributing to the problem and of course offer tailored treatment to resolve it – usually quickly and effectively.
My Final Thoughts…
Bad breath can be embarrassing, but it’s almost always manageable with the right approach. With thorough daily cleaning, good hydration, and regular visits to a great dental team – just like our team at tooth in Waterloo SE1, fresher breath is absolutely within reach.
If you’re concerned about bad breath, book an appointment at tooth by pressing any of the buttons below. We’re here to help you regain confidence in your smile.