1We’ve all experienced bad breath at some point or another, whether our own or someone else’s. Of course, occasional bad breath is fairly common. However, frequent or constant cases may be cause for concern and may necessitate a trip to dentists in Wimbledon. You never know when bad breath (also known as halitosis) could be signifying an underlying health issue.
This blog is designed to help you identify the cause of your bad breath so that you can judge whether or not you should take further action.
So, let’s jump straight in, shall we?
Smelly Food, Smelly Breath
This one isn’t rocket science.
It’s no secret that some foods and drinks are significantly more pungent than others. It may just be that your morning coffee or your tendency to add garlic to every meal is the culprit.
Other foods and drinks to look out for include those that dehydrate you, like tea and alcohol, and those high in sugar. Essentially, caffeine will slow the production of saliva, which is crucial for fighting bad bacteria. Similarly, your mouth bacteria will feed on sugary foods and cause a bad smell.
Another thing to be wary of when it comes to your diet is… dieting. Crash dieting can be extremely unhealthy for your entire body and may generate ketones that smell particularly bad.
Don't Neglect Your Pearly Whites
Another fairly obvious one here…
It goes without saying that neglecting your oral health will inevitably lead to bad breath. Make sure that you’re using the correct techniques and not missing any areas of the mouth, as this can lead to a buildup of bacteria over time.
Don’t forget about interdental brushing. Flossing every day is extremely important, as is brushing or scraping the tongue.
Medical Conditions
It’s not uncommon for medical conditions that affect the throat or mouth, such as tonsillitis, to cause bad breath.
You should also be aware that certain medications could change the way your body processes bacteria, which could lead to gum disease.
There’s a pretty high chance that dental issues like tooth decay or gum disease could be causing halitosis. We would always recommend attending a dental checkup to make sure.
Sip Away Throughout the Day
One of the most common causes of bad breath?
Dehydration.
You always want to make sure you have plenty of saliva in your mouth to fight any bad bacteria. Keep a water bottle handy throughout the day and chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production.
Reign in the Smoke
Another no brainer here.
We all know nicotine is a big cause of bad breath, made all the worse by the fact that smoking will dry out your mouth.
Excessive smoking can also stain the tongue and cause you to lose your sense of smell.
