Foul breath is no fun, but it’s something everyone has experienced at some point in their lives. Chronic bad breath is known as halitosis and can be caused by bacteria in your mouth or possibly an underlying health problem. Most people who suffer from severe bad breath also develop a lewd taste in their mouths, which may be a sign that it’s time for a visit to your dentist.
Your Dental Hygiene Could Use Improvement
If you’ve been reaching for a few mints to combat your stinky breath, it may be a sign that you need to practice better oral care. Make sure you’re brushing your teeth thoroughly twice a day. Each time you go to brush your teeth, you should be spending at least two minutes scrubbing your pearly whites, plus 30 seconds of flossing and finishing with a quick tongue scrub. Bad breath could be stemming from a dirty tongue that needs a careful cleanse. Upgrading your oral hygiene is the first step to reducing any unpleasant smells in your mouth.
Your Mouth Is Dry
Dry mouth is a leading cause for persistent bad breath. Without enough saliva, your mouth cannot wash away leftover food particles and bacteria that might be lingering between your pearly whites. After a while, these particles and bacteria start building up, producing an unpleasant odor. Drinking enough water is crucial for keeping your mouth moist, so make sure you’re getting 48 to 54 ounces of water, if not more, a day. If you have issues with a chronic dry mouth, you may want to talk to your dentist about over-the-counter saliva medications.
You’re Eating the Wrong Foods
As we all know, certain foods can leave a pungent smell that lingers in your mouth. These types of foods contain oils that are transported to your lungs and exit your body from your mouth. That’s why their smell remains on your breath hours after you’ve eaten.
If you’re trying to keep your breath smelling fresh, try cutting back on these foods:
- Coffee
- Onions
- Garlic
- Milk
- Cheese
- Fish (especially canned tuna)
- Alcohol
- Spicy foods
Instead, try munching on carrots, celery, or apples. These foods are great at increasing your saliva and can even clean your teeth while you eat them.
You’re Smoking
Tobacco products are notoriously poor for your oral health, not to mention the rest of your body. Aside from staining your teeth, smoking dries out your mouth and leaves behind pungent smells that are hard to get rid of. If you were looking for another reason to put down your cigarette, just remember it’s not doing your breath any favors.
You Should See Your Dentist
If you’re worried about your breath, then a trip to the dentist can always help. Your dentist can give your mouth a thorough checkup and ensure that everything is a-ok in there. Your dentist may also have a couple more tips on how to get your breath tasting and smelling minty fresh again.
