Bad breath can be embarrassing and affect your daily life, including your social life and self-confidence. But you’re not alone. Nearly 50% of adults have experienced it at some point, meaning it’s a common problem that can be easily solved. But first, it’s essential to understand the underlying causes of bad breath and how you can identify them.
1. Allergies
Allergies can not only lead to unpleasant symptoms such as sneezing and itchy eyes, but they can also contribute to bad breath. For instance, sinus congestion and post-nasal drip can be major sources of halitosis. When you’re congested, you tend to breathe through your mouth instead of your nose, leading to dryness in your mouth. This dryness allows bacteria to accumulate, leading to bad breath.
Additionally, post-nasal drip causes mucus to accumulate in the nose and throat, leaving a film on the back of the tongue that can create a breeding ground for bacteria.
Try using an over-the-counter nasal spray or visit your doctor for a prescription nasal spray. Additionally, reduce your exposure to allergens such as pollen and dust mites. Finally, consider getting allergy testing to pinpoint the exact source of the problem and create a treatment plan that works for you.
2. Dry Mouth
You’ve probably already heard of dry mouth, but do you know what it is exactly? Dry mouth occurs when your salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva, resulting in a dry sensation. This could be caused by dehydration, medications, or medical conditions such as Sjögren’s syndrome. It can also result from lifestyle habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and breathing through the mouth.
Without enough saliva, bacteria can accumulate and cause an unpleasant odor. Also, dry mouth can cause a sticky film to form on the tongue and teeth, where bacteria love to hide.
To combat a dry mouth, try drinking plenty of water or sucking on sugar-free candy to stimulate saliva production.
3. Medications
While medications help you feel better, some can lead to unpleasant side effects, such as bad breath. Many medicines cause dry mouth, leading to the same problems discussed previously. Additionally, some medications can give your breath a pungent odor that lingers for hours.
Common drug-related culprits behind halitosis include:
- Antibiotics;
- Antidepressants;
- Antihistamines;
- Decongestants;
- Vitamin supplements;
- Sedatives and more.
If you’re on any of these, talk to your doctor about switching medications or adjusting the dosage.
To help prevent these side effects, drink plenty of water and use an alcohol-free mouthwash or chew on natural mints to stimulate saliva production.
4. Low-Carb Diet
Low-carb diets have become increasingly popular for weight loss and other health benefits, but they can come with an unpleasant side effect: bad breath. This is because when your body goes into ketosis, a metabolic state achieved with a low-carb diet, it produces chemicals called ketones. These ketones can cause a distinct odor known as “keto breath.”
Eating foods high in fiber and protein can help reduce bad breath since they help neutralize acids in the mouth. Additionally, avoiding sugary snacks and drinks can help protect your teeth and gums from decay caused by bacteria.
When it comes to eating for healthy teeth and gums, some of the best foods include crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots, which help scrub away plaque on the teeth. Dairy products like cheese also contain calcium which helps strengthen tooth enamel. On the other hand, some of the worst foods for healthy teeth include sticky sweets like candy or dried fruit, which can get stuck in between teeth and lead to cavities.
5. Sinus Infection
You’ve likely experienced the annoying symptoms of a sinus infection, but did you know that it could also be causing your bad breath? Sinus infections, or sinusitis, can cause excess mucus to build up in the nose and throat, creating an environment for bacteria to grow and lead to halitosis.
However, there are things you can do at home to help minimize the effects:
- Drink plenty of fluids to thin out the mucus in your nose and throat;
- Try using a saline spray or gargle with salt water to help reduce bacteria in the mouth;
- Rinse out your nose with a neti pot to help clear out the mucus;
While the unpleasant side effect usually disappears once the infection clears, it’s important to see a doctor for your sinus symptoms to prevent further complications. A doctor can prescribe the right medication or treatment to help clear up your sinus infection and get rid of your bad breath.
6. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
While you may have experienced bad acid reflux occasionally, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a serious condition that occurs when acidic stomach juices or food and fluids back up from the stomach into the esophagus. Unfortunately, GERD can also lead to bad breath due to the irritating effects of stomach acid on the throat and mouth.
Fortunately, you can take steps to reduce symptoms and improve bad breath associated with GERD. Avoiding certain foods such as spicy foods, caffeine, chocolate, citrus fruits, tomatoes and fatty or fried foods can help reduce acid reflux. Additionally, eating smaller meals more frequently throughout the day instead of large meals can help relieve symptoms.
If you think you may be suffering from persistent reflux, find a doctor who specializes in GERD so they can properly diagnose it and provide treatment options tailored to your needs.
7. Dehydration
Not only does dehydration make you feel sluggish and cause fatigue, but it can also lead to bad breath. This is because when your body is dehydrated, your mouth produces less saliva, which makes it harder for the bacteria in your mouth to be washed away. As a result, bacteria remain in the mouth longer, leading to that unpleasant odor.
To stay hydrated, drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Generally, aim for at least 8-10 cups of water daily. You can also increase your hydration by eating foods high in water content, such as cucumbers, celery, and melons. Additionally, avoid sugary drinks like soda or energy drinks, as they can lead to further dehydration.
If your dehydration symptoms persist or worsen over time, it’s best to seek medical help and ensure you get adequate treatment. Dehydration can be dangerous, so getting your body the fluids it needs and preventing further complications is important.
Alcohol
Alcohol is one of the top causes of bad breath and can wreak havoc on your oral health. Because alcohol is a diuretic, it makes your body lose more fluids than usual, drying your mouth, which leads to bacteria growth and, ultimately, bad breath.
Moreover, drinking too much alcohol can also damage the soft tissues in your mouth, making them more prone to infection or decay. It’s best to limit your intake and avoid drinking on an empty stomach. Additionally, drink plenty of water throughout the day and brush and floss your teeth regularly.
How to Prevent and Treat Bad Breath
So you brush your teeth daily, but are you doing enough to prevent bad breath? The truth is, there are many things you can do daily to keep your breath fresh and healthy.
- Brush your teeth regularly with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes twice a day.
- Flossing daily to help remove food particles from between your teeth.
- Use an antiseptic mouthwash to kill any lingering bacteria.
- Clean your tongue with a tongue scraper or brush it gently.
- Visiting your dentist regularly for a dental cleaning and exam.
Another remedy that can be effective is oil pulling, which involves swishing oil around in your mouth for several minutes before spitting it out. This process can help eliminate toxins from the body and alleviate bad breath. Likewise, herbal bad breath remedies such as parsley, mint leaves, cloves, fennel seeds, cardamom pods, and cinnamon sticks may also be effective.
So, to keep your breath fresh and promote oral health, it’s essential to maintain good oral hygiene habits and make minor lifestyle changes. And if you suspect any underlying medical condition is causing the bad breath, be sure to find a dentist for further diagnosis and treatment.