If friends or family members back away when you speak, you may have bad breath. While mouthwash can temporarily mask bad breath, using it will not correct underlying hygiene or dental issues that contribute to bad breath. Persistent bad breath that does not improve with home treatment should be evaluated by a dentist, as breath odor can be a sign of dental health problem.
Causes
Bad breath occurs when food particles remain between teeth and on the tongue and mouth after you eat. If you don't brush or floss regularly, bacteria begins to grow on the particles, which causes the emission of hydrogen sulfide vapors, according to MayoClinic.com. Bad breath may also occurs if your mouth is too dry, if you smoke, if you have recently eaten spicy or strong foods, or if you have gum disease, gastrointestinal problems, diabetes, liver disease, sinusitis or other illnesses.
Basic Dental Hygiene
Brushing and flossing are the easiest way to ensure that you have fresh breath. The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth and tongue twice each day with a fluoride toothpaste. Flossing once each day helps remove trapped food particles. Cleaning dentures every night will help reduce breath odors. While mouthwash will only have a temporary effect on odor, using it mouthwash with fluoride will help reduce tooth decay that can cause odor.
Visiting Dentist
Visiting your dentist every six months is an important step in maintaining fresh breath. Dental cleanings can remove plaque, a sticky substance that build up in the mouth and causes odor. Careful brushing and flossing removes plaque, but it may not be possible for you to remove all of the plaque in your mouth simply by brushing or flossing.
Treating Periodontal Disease
Untreated periodontal, or gum, disease can cause bad breath. Periodontal disease occurs when plaque accumulates on the teeth and gums, causing a chronic bacterial infection. During periodontitis, the worst phase of periodontal disease, the gums separate from the teeth and form pockets. If the disease destroys gum tissue and bone, teeth can become loss and may have to be removed, according to the American Academy of Periodontology. Dentists treat periodontitis by performing a dental cleaning that removes the plaque and bacteria from the pockets.
Preventing Bad Breath
Avoiding foods that you know cause bad breath, such as garlic and onions, can help reduce breath odor. Quitting smoking and treating underlying illnesses can be helpful in reducing bad breath. Increasing the amount of liquids that you drink during the day can help prevent bad breath caused by dry mouth. The American Dental Association also suggests using prescription artificial saliva or sugarless candy to help relieve dry mouth.
