Bad Breath- Cause and Cure

By Larry J. Cook

Have you noticed or has someone told you that you have bad breathe? Have you been overwhelmed by the breath or a loved one or a friend? Halitosis (medical term for bad breath) can embarrass you or your friends. It can also effect how other people think about you. I know your question…. what causes bad breath?
The most common cause of bad breath can be food particles left in your mouth after meals which combine with bacteria to create a bad odor. Bacteria often collect on the back of your tongue, creating an odor. Another cause can be gum disease that may be at the infection stage. The fluids oozing from the infected gums will usually cause a very strong odor due to pus in the fluids.
Another cause could be a dry mouth. Saliva cleanses your mouth, washing away many odor-causing bacteria. A dry mouth allows more bacteria and their by-products to remain in your mouth, thus causing bad breath. You could have a dry mouth when you sleep, if you don’t drink enough fluids or because of certain medications. Some types of food and drink can cause bad breath. These include garlic, onions, fish, cabbage, coffee, and alcohol. Smoking and chewing tobacco can make your breath smell. This bad breath can stay with you even when you stop smoking or chewing. There are other causes of bad breath. Braces, dentures, and other mouth gear may smell if not kept clean. Certain medical problems may cause bad breath. Sinus problems that cause drainage into the throat may sometimes lead to mouth odor. In general, bad breath becomes more of a problem as you age.
Your dentist can look for a cause of chronic bad breath. If a cause is found, treatment may improve your breath. Some people think they have bad breath when they really don’t. First, you need your dentist to confirm that you have bad breath. You will then be checked for gum disease and asked questions about foods you eat, any medications you take, and how you care for your teeth.
You can do some simple things to help avoid bad breath. First, brush after each meal and floss at least once a day. Brush your tongue (or use a special tongue scraper) to clean off food and odor-causing bacteria. Always brush as far back on your tongue as you can. Drink plenty of water and rinse your mouth with water every so often to keep the salvia flowing. Chewing sugarless gum can also help. Try to avoid foods that can cause bad smelling breath. If you smoke or chew tobacco, QUIT!! You’ll be amazed how much better your breath will smell. Over-the-counter mouthwashes only cover up bad breath for a very short time.
If there is no underlying medical cause, you can usually achieve fresh-smelling breath with the help of your dentist. Practice good oral hygiene, see your dentist regularly and use what you’ve learned to keep your breath smelling great!