Yuck! How can this be? You brushed your teeth before leaving for work this morning, but your breath still smells. You have an important meeting with your boss in a few minutes and you just used your last mint. What could be causing your bad breath?
Your mouth smells for a reason, but it may not be what you would expect. Here are some of the causes of bad breath and the best ways you can stop it in its tracks.
Why Does My Breath Smell?
There are so many potential causes of bad breath, but some of the most common are:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Smelly foods
- Gum disease
- Certain medications
- Health conditions (seasonal allergies, diabetes, acid reflux, liver or kidney problems)
It’s important that you talk with your dentist about chronic bad breath to rule out any of the more serious causes.
What Can I Do About My Bad Breath?
The number one thing you should be doing to combat bad breath is to brush and floss on a daily basis. Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two to three minutes. This removes the plaque and debris that’s often the culprit of smelly breath. Flossing once daily also removes food between the teeth. Bacteria likes to feed on it, which creates a foul smell.
Additionally, smoking and other tobacco products are major causes of bad breath. That’s because the tobacco dries out the mouth, creating ideal conditions for smells to linger.
Quick Fixes
If you’re in a pinch, there are a few things you can do right now to alleviate your bad breath.
- Use a mouth wash
- Drink some water
- Chew sugarless gum or mints
- Eat a fresh fruit or vegetable, especially carrots, apples, or celery
You already have enough to worry about. Take bad breath out of the equation by making sure you take proper care of your teeth and visiting your dentist regularly.
About the Author
Dr. Cher Rich loves to work with her patients to create beautiful, healthy smiles. She graduated from Texas A&M with a degree in biomedical science before going on to receive her Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Texas at Houston Dental School. She opened her own practice in 2007 and has been serving the community of Houston ever since. If you have questions about your oral health, visit her website or give her a call at (281)469-6281.