Bad Breath – What Causes It & How Do We Fix It?

Halitosis or ‘bad breath’ refers to noticeably unpleasant breath odour that usually comes from inside the mouth. There are many causes of bad breath, the most significant of which include poor hygiene and dietary or lifestyle choices. This can cause various complications such as depression and anxiety. Numerous treatments and home remedies are available to reduce if not eliminate bad breath. This blog post from East Bentleigh Dental Group takes a closer look at what causes bad breath and how you can treat it.

The Various Causes of Bad Breath

The most common cause of bad breath is a biofilm on the back on the tongue and other areas of the mouth that emit a foul odour. This film is generally the result of poor oral hygiene and may or may not be persistent. Disorders in the nose, sinuses, throat, lungs, oesophagus and stomach as well as liver failure and other underlying conditions can also cause bad breath. Other factors that can contribute to bad breath include smoking, alcohol consumption, volatile foodstuffs such as onion and garlic, fasting, medications, stress, anxiety, oral infections, and ulcers.

Treatment Options for Bad Breath

East Bentleigh Dental Group is the only dental clinic in Victoria to take a scientific approach to treating bad breath, offering clinically proven solutions such as kForce and other BreezeCare products.

kForce consists of an innovative range of products that are specially formulated to reduce bad breath. This science-based range from BreezeCare has been dentally tested and provides an easy way to maintain fresh breath.

Other Tips & Treatments for Bad Breath

There are a number of alternative options you can try in order to manage and treat bad breath. First and foremost, be sure to brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day if not after every meal. This prevents odours and bacteria from building up inside your mouth and helps you maintain optimal oral hygiene. It’s recommended that you brush your tongue as well using a tongue scraper or a brush with a built-in tongue cleaner. If you have dentures or dental appliances, these should also be cleaned at least once a day.

Mouth rinses and toothpastes with antibacterial agents can be effective at killing bacteria that cause plaque build-up in your mouth. If you suffer from gum (periodontal) disease, you might need to first address the deep pockets that fill with odorous bacteria. A dentist may also recommend replacing any faulty tooth restorations you have that cause bacteria build-up.

Other suggestions are purely dietary and lifestyle in nature. It’s important to drink water regularly and stay hydrated, avoiding coffee and soft drinks as well as alcohol to prevent dry mouth. You’re also encouraged to try chewing gum and oral medications to stimulate saliva production, and adjust your diet by reducing your intake of volatile and sugary foodstuffs. In addition, it’s a good idea to organise check-ups with a dentist two or more times a year to get your teeth and gums examined and cleaned.

Make an Appointment at EBDG Today

If you suffer from chronic bad breath, the team at East Bentleigh Dental Group can assess your mouth and treat the condition using clinically proven kForce and BreezeCare products. Book an appointment at your earliest convenience by calling (03) 9575 1100 or filling out our online contact form.