What Causes Bad Breath?
Bad breath, or halitosis, can be a major problem, especially when you’re about to snuggle with your sweetie or whisper a joke to your friend. The good news is that bad breath can often be prevented with some simple steps.
Bad breath is caused by odor-producing bacteria that grow in the mouth. When you don’t brush and floss regularly, bacteria accumulate on the bits of food left in your mouth and between your teeth. The sulfur compounds released by these bacteria make your breath smell.
Certain foods, especially ones like garlic and onions that contain pungent oils, can contribute to bad breath because the oils are carried to your lungs and out through your mouth. Smoking is also a major cause of bad breath.
There are lots of myths about taking care of bad breath. Here are three things you may have heard about bad breath that are not true:
Myth #1: Mouthwash will make bad breath go away.
Mouthwash only gets rid of bad breath temporarily. If you do use mouthwash, look for an antiseptic (kills the germs that cause bad breath) and plaque-reducing one with a seal from the American Dental Association (ADA). When you’re deciding which dental products to toss into your shopping cart, it’s always a good idea to look for those that are accepted by the ADA. Also, ask your dentist for recommendations.
Myth #2: As long as you brush your teeth, you shouldn’t have bad breath.
The truth is that most people only brush their teeth for 30 to 45 seconds, which just doesn’t cut it. To sufficiently clean all the surfaces of your teeth, you should brush for at least 2 minutes at least twice a day. Remember to brush your tongue, too — bacteria love to hang out there. It’s equally important to floss because brushing alone won’t remove harmful plaque and food particles that become stuck between your teeth and gums.
Myth #3: If you breathe into your hand, you’ll know when you have bad breath.
Wrong! When you breathe, you don’t use your throat the same way you do when you talk. When you talk, you tend to bring out the odors from the back of your mouth (where bad breath originates), which simply breathing doesn’t do. Also, because we tend to get used to our own smells, it’s hard for a person to tell if he or she has bad breath.
If you’re concerned about bad breath, make sure you’re taking care of your teeth and mouth properly. Some sugar-free gums and mints can temporarily mask odors, too.
If you brush and floss properly and visit your dentist for regular cleanings, but your bad breath persists, you may have a medical problem like sinusitis or gum disease. Call your doctor or dentist if you suspect a problem. They can figure out if something else is behind your bad breath and help you take care of it.
Reviewed by: Lisa A. Goss, RDH, BS, and Charlie J. Inga, DDS
Date reviewed: November 2008
Similar articles
- Is there a permanent solution for bad breath?
Is there a permanent solution for bad breath? Posted on April 16th, 2010 Is there a permanent solution for bad breath? Inspite of being hygienic, I still suffer from bad breath. I brush my teeth 3 to 4 times a day, i floss my teeth every morning, I scap my tongue right after brushing
... - Smoking Bad Breath
Aside from brushing and flossing, there are other things that your dentist could you tell so you can better care for your teeth. There are secrets that dentists know that their patients do not. These usually include the following: 1) Your dentist can tell if you smoke. Even if someone
... - Bad breath problem?? how to solve?
possibly gingivitis. Gingivitis is a gum infection that causes inflammation of the gums. Gingivitis can cause your gums to become swollen and begin to bleed just by brushing the teeth, eating or just touching the gums. Gingivitis is the preclude to periodontal disease, which is a disease of the tissues that surrounds the neck and
... - Natural Ways on How to Fight Bad Breath
Bad breath can ruin your social life and it can even drive your closest friends away from you. If you are clueless if you do have this problem, try to ask someone who is close to you and let her tell you if your breath does smell bad. Keep in mind that bad smelling breath
... - Cure Gingivitis Before It Causes Bad Breath and Tooth Loss
Gingivitis is a general term for different types of infections in the gingiva. Bad breath-causing bacteria cause gingivitis, so it is important to keep the oral cavity clean. By exercising proper oral hygiene, you can clean up any gingivitis that you have and prevent it from occuring. You should brush at least 2-3 times
...