Dealing With Bad Breath? Causes and Treatment Options for Fresh Breath This Holiday Season

Bad breath, medically known as halitosis, affects millions of Americans and can significantly impact both personal and professional relationships.

While the occasional morning breath or post-garlic dinner aroma is normal, persistent bad breath might signal underlying dental or medical issues that deserve attention.

So, when exactly is bad breath a problem, and what can you do about it? Let’s explore the causes of halitosis and discover proven solutions to keep your breath fresh and your confidence high this holiday season and throughout the year.

Understanding the Root Causes of Bad Breath

The human mouth is a complex ecosystem hosting millions of bacteria. While many of these microorganisms are beneficial, some can produce sulfur compounds that result in unpleasant odors. However, bacteria aren’t the only culprits behind chronic bad breath. Bad breath can have causes that are medical, dental, and dietary in nature.

Dental Causes of Bad Breath

Poor oral hygiene, including irregular brushing and flossing, can lead food particles and plaque to accumulate in the mouth, leading to bad breath. Improper cleaning of dental appliances, like retainers and dentures, can also lead to bad breath. Even if you are brushing and flossing your teeth regularly at home, it’s crucial to get regular teeth cleanings with your dentist to remove plaque from hard-to-reach areas that can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease.

Medical Causes of Bad Breath

Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is a condition that can cause chronic bad breath. Saliva helps cleanse the mouth and balance oral bacteria, so when there isn’t enough saliva, your breath can smell less than pleasant. Certain medications and illnesses can be responsible for dry mouth.

Gastrointestinal issues, acid reflux, diabetes, and respiratory tract infections can all contribute to bad breath. Chronic sinus conditions and liver or kidney issues are also problems that can cause chronic bad breath.

Dietary Causes of Bad Breath

What you eat plays a crucial role in how your breath smells. While obvious offenders like garlic and onions are well-known, other dietary choices can significantly affect breath freshness. High-protein diets can increase sulfur compound production, while low-carb diets might lead to “keto breath.” Maintaining proper hydration and including fibrous fruits and vegetables in your diet can help naturally cleanse your mouth.

How Can You Get Rid of Bad Breath?

Bad breath can be both acute and chronic. Acute bad breath can result from eating things like onions, garlic, or fish, as well as being dehydrated or not brushing your teeth. However, chronic bad breath can signal a more serious problem like gum disease. Getting rid of bad breath depends on the cause, so let’s explore treatments for both acute and chronic halitosis.

Acute Halitosis

To stop temporary bad breath in its tracks, you can:

• Brush and floss your teeth. Be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and an ADA-approved toothpaste and brush your teeth for about two minutes morning and night—bonus points for brushing your tongue, which can harbor enough bacteria to cause bad breath.
• Chew sugar-free gum. Sugarless gum with xylitol can not only help instantly freshen breath. It can also stimulate saliva production, which can balance oral bacteria and reduce bad breath. As an extra benefit, sugar-free gum with xylitol may also help prevent early tooth decay.
• Use mouthwash. Mouthwash can help freshen breath quickly and reduce foul-smelling oral bacteria, so it’s a great way to combat bad breath on the go. However, remember that mouthwash is usually only a temporary fix for bad breath and won’t address chronic halitosis.

Chronic Halitosis

Chronic bad breath is typically a sign of a more serious problem, but you can still experience relief by:

• Adjusting your medication. In some cases, medication may cause dry mouth that leads to chronic bad breath. Ask your provider if any of your medicines could be causing your bad breath from dry mouth and if any adjustments can be made.
• Stop smoking or chewing tobacco. Tobacco use can cause chronic bad breath, dry out the oral cavity, and increase your risk for gum disease—all excellent reasons to consider quitting smoking or chewing tobacco.
• Get treatment for gum disease. If gum disease is causing your chronic bad breath, don’t wait to seek treatment. Periodontal treatment can restore gum health and eliminate chronic bad breath—a win-win for you and your smile.

The Consequences of Ignoring Bad Breath

While occasional bad breath is normal, persistent issues can point to a bigger problem and have serious consequences.

Health Complications

Bad breath can be an early warning sign of serious health conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, and liver problems. Ignoring bad breath could allow underlying conditions to progress undetected and untreated. Since these health problems often show few early symptoms, bad breath might be one of the first noticeable signs something is wrong, making it an important indicator that shouldn’t be dismissed as merely a dental issue.

Low Self-Esteem

Bad breath can also significantly affect your self-esteem. Many people with halitosis report avoiding close conversations, limiting social activities, and experiencing anxiety in professional settings out of fear that someone will detect their less-than-pleasant breath. Addressing breath concerns isn’t just about oral health—it’s about improving your quality of life and confidence.

Dental Problems

Halitosis often signals underlying oral health issues that can worsen if ignored. The bacteria causing bad breath produce acids that erode tooth enamel, leading to cavities and decay. If your bad breath is caused by gum disease, neglecting treatment allows the infection to progress, potentially destroying gum tissue and bone, which can result in tooth loss. What starts as bad breath can escalate into serious dental problems requiring extensive treatments.

It’s important to see your dentist if you’re experiencing any of the following signs or symptoms along with your bad breath:

• Unusual taste changes
• Dry mouth that persists
• White coating on the tongue that won’t go away
• Bleeding or swollen gums
• Persistent sore throat or cough
• Difficulty swallowing
• Unexplained weight loss

Contact Us to Schedule a Dental Exam

Whether you have occasional bad breath or chronic halitosis, Saunders DDS is here to help. Contact us today for comprehensive dental care in Asheville. Schedule your appointment by calling (828) 277-6060 or reaching us online. Let us help you smile, speak, and laugh with complete confidence throughout the holiday and into the new year!