5 Reasons You Are Struggling with Bad Breath

Bad breath is an uncomfortable and embarrassing reality for some. It could reduce your confidence and keep you from pursuing personal ventures. Usually, it is something in your daily activity that, if changed, could give you fresh breath and boost your confidence. 

Here are 5 possible reasons why you may have bad breath.  

#1. Oral Hygiene

This is perhaps the most crucial requirements for fresh breath. If you do not floss or brush your teeth regularly, your mouth will have a bad odour. Harmful bacteria from food particles that stay in your mouth attaches to the tooth enamel, resulting in tooth decay. It is also important to frequently replace your toothbrush since some micro-organisms could have made a home on your toothbrush. Ensure you also keep your tongue clean using a tongue cleaner. 

Make an appointment with your dentist on occasion to help reduce plaque build-up in your mouth. 

#2. Your Choice of Foods

The foods you eat will manifest in odour when you exhale, especially those that have strong aromatic flavours such as garlic and onions. Enzymes in your mouth start digesting the food through the saliva as soon as you start chewing the food. When the aroumatic compounds enter the bloodstream, they transfer into the lungs after which you breathe them out. To remedy this, when you eat such foods, ensure you rinse your mouth with mouthwash or have a breath mint to mask the smells. 

#3.  Sinuses

Microbial build, growths or infections in your sinuses can cause bad breath. It could be a short-term problem brought about by an infection or a long-term chronic condition. Odour-causing bacteria are often attracted to the proteins that exist in the phlegm and mucus. When you are suffering from a sinus infection or allergies, the sinuses produce more mucus, causing a foul smell. 

#4. Gum Disease

Gum disease refers to any bacterial infection in the tissue that surrounds your teeth. If you suffer from gum disease, you have a higher chance of developing persistent bad breath due to bacteria build-up. If you cannot get rid of your bad breath with a normal oral hygiene routine of flossing, using mouthwash and brushing your teeth, you should visit your dentist to determine if you have gum disease. 

#5.  Mouth Dryness

The body naturally cleanses your mouth by removing excess food debris using the saliva. If you have decreased saliva in your mouth, you are likely to experience bad breath. Problems with your salivary gland or mouth breathing continuously can cause mouth odour. Sugarless gum can cause you to salivate and help wash away any bacteria in your mouth. Smoking also affects the flow of saliva in your mouth, causing bad breath. 

If you are experiencing bad breath and you've tried various remedies to no avail, it is time to make an appointment with the dentist. A licensed dentist will ensure you evaluate all causes of bad breath and provide you with lasting solutions.