Bad Breath Treatment

There are many causes of bad breath. Here are some of the most common.

Tobacco products. Smoking causes its own unpleasant mouth odour. Smokers and oral tobacco users are also more likely to have gum disease, another source of bad breath.

Poor oral hygiene. If you don’t brush and floss daily and well, food remains in your mouth, leading to bad breath as a transparent, sticky film of bacteria (plaque) forms on your teeth.

Your tongue can also catch odour-causing bacteria. Dentures that aren’t cleaned properly or don’t fit snugly can also trap odour-causing bacteria and food particles.

Dry mouth. Dry mouth occurs if you haven’t been drinking enough water or have been sleeping or travelling, or any other case in which your body slows down saliva production.

Strenuous workouts can also cause dry mouth, as can breathing through your mouth, and some diseases and medications.

Poor diet. The simplest case is garlic or onion breath, or the odour of a smoker. Also, fasting or crash dieting can cause bad breath as the body breaks down fat and releases ketones, which can be smelled.

Digestive Issues. Digestive issues can cause bad breath. Acid reflux allows food odours to make their way back up the oesophagus and out the mouth, creating bad breath.

Prescription Medication. Many prescription medications come with the side effect of dry mouth. If you suffer from dry mouth, check your medication side effects.

Other Causes. Bad breath might be a sign of other diseases. Postnasal drip, respiratory and tonsil infections, sinus issues, liver and kidney ailments, diabetes, as well as blood disorders, can cause bad breath. In some cases, bad breath can be a sign of cancer or other serious conditions.