We all suffer from bad breath from time to time, based on what we’re eating and our health – studies suggest that between a quarter and half of all adults will suffer with bad breath on a regular basis though. Strong foods such as garlic, coffee and onions will make the problem worse, but persistent bad breath is caused by a breakdown of proteins by bacteria in the mouth, usually from gum disease or a dry mouth. Many people aren’t aware that problems with the airways, stomach and oesophagus can also result in bad breath. Smoking can also cause a specific type of bad breath, from the tobacco, dry mouth and increased levels of gum disease. There are certain factors which make the problem worse, such as food stagnation between your teeth, excessive bacterial activity on the tongue, catarrh, and throat or tonsil infections. You may also be suffering with airway infections which can make bad breath worse, such as sinusitis, polyps, bronchitis, pneumonia, mucus flow and dryness. You can test for bad breath with the ‘lick and sniff’ test by licking the back of your hand and letting it dry, then sniffing it – if it smells, you are likely to have bad breath. Your dentist or a hygienist will be able to help treat bad breath, as the problem is usually caused by an issue in the mouth. However, don’t try to mask the odour before you go, as they will need to be able to diagnose the issue. Most bad breath, as previously stated, is caused by gum disease which can be treated by scaling and polishing the teeth to remove plaque build up, as well as topping this up with a good oral care routine at home. This includes brushing after meals, avoiding sugary treats and drinking water instead of fizzy drinks which are packed with sugar that rots your teeth and builds up plaque around the gumline.
You can maintain a good hygiene level at home by brushing twice a day for two minutes each time with a fluoride toothpaste to remove food particles and breakdown plaque. Remember to clean between the teeth using interdental brushes or dental floss, as this is where many food particles get stuck which can lead to bad breath later on. It may be helpful to use a tongue cleaner as well, remembering to clean right to the back of the tongue, as a lot of bacteria can be harboured here. A mouthwash can be beneficial if it has an antibacterial agent, but don’t use it to simply mask the problem – it should be used as an addition to your routine, not as a way of hiding the problem. Try to avoid strong-smelling drinks and foods, such as coffee and garlic, as these will exacerbate the problem. If you do eat or drink something which you think might be a problem, you could chew on sugar-free gum afterwards to combat the problem in the early stages – this is also helpful if your mouth feels dry. A healthy diet that’s low in sugar and fats can also be good for your dental hygiene, as well as for your health overall. As adults, we don’t visit the dentist as often as we should – book a twice-yearly appointment to keep on top of your dental health, as well as tackling problems like bad breath in the early stages before they get really bad.