How Can I Get Rid of My Bad Breath?

If you are experiencing halitosis, more commonly known as bad breath, you are not alone. It is suggested that in the United States there are nearly 60 million people struggling with a chronic form of this condition. In fact, one in every four people in the world have bad breath and about half of the adult population has experienced it at one time or another. In fact, it is so prevalent — and so distressing to most people who have it — that it is the third most common reason people seek out the help of a dental professional, right after tooth decay and gum disease.

In order to properly treat and eliminate bad breath, it is important to understand the underlying causes of the condition.

What are Some of the Causes of Bad Breath?

There are many factors that can contribute to the development of acute or chronic halitosis or mouth odor. 

Common Causes of Bad Breath

One of the most common sources of mouth odor is poor dental hygiene, where food particles become trapped between teeth or below the gums and begin to decay. If the food is not removed, it can form plaque that can build up, causing tooth decay and gum disease. Other common culprits of bad breath include:

• Food and beverages with strong odors, such as garlic, onions, and coffee
• Smoking cigarettes and cigars or using tobacco products such as dip that dry out mouth tissues
• Dry mouth conditions caused by lack of hydration, mouth breathing, certain medications, or conditions affecting the salivary glands
• Periodontal disease caused by poor oral hygiene
• Conditions affecting the sinuses, throat, or mouth such as allergies, sinusitis, bronchitis, or respiratory infections

Even some common conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD or acid reflux) can cause or contribute to the formation of bad breath. 

Less Common Causes of Bad Breath

There are some other more serious conditions that can cause halitosis:

• Obstruction of the bowel can cause a foul odor, especially if there has been prolonged vomiting.
• A condition called bronchiestasis, or a wider than normal airway, can allow mucus to build up and foul the breath.
• Ketoacidosis contributes to an unpleasant mouth odor that smells vaguely like nail polish remover when ketones build up as the body begins to use fat stores instead of sugar to balance insulin. This condition is typically seen in diabetics or in people eating a high protein/low carbohydrate diet such as the Keto Diet.
• Kidney disease can cause the breath to smell like ammonia. 
• Liver disease can cause a buildup of dimethylsulfide that can create a musty smell on the breath.
• A disease that affects your ability to metabolize certain amino acids, called maple syrup urine disease, can make your breath smell sugary or like maple syrup.
• Isolaveric acidemia, a disease that causes the amino acid leucine to build up in the blood can cause breath to smell like sweaty feet. 
• Trimethylaminuria is the inability to break down the organic compounds trimethylamine and can cause your breath to take on a fishy odor.
• A genetic disorder called hyperthioninemia prevents your body from metabolizing methionine, an amino acid, and can make your breath smell of cabbage.
• Granulomatosis, or a disorder that causes inflammation in the nose, kidneys, and blood vessels can cause breath to smell like rotting garbage.

While most of these issues are exceedingly rare, it is important to be seen by a dental professional if you are experiencing chronic bad breath or breath that smells like any of the substances described above. Some of these conditions are very serious if left untreated, so you should always seek professional help in resolving bad breath.

How Can I Stop My Breath from Smelling Bad?

Barring any rare disorders, good oral hygiene is your first line of defense against most common causes of bad breath. Consider the following:

• Brush your teeth twice a day
• Make sure you floss every day to remove bits of food from spaces between teeth
• Consider brushing your tongue with a tongue scraper or your toothbrush to remove bacteria
• Add an antimicrobial mouthwash to your daily oral hygiene regimen
• Stay hydrated using water to wash away food particles and moisten your mouth
• Clean dental appliances such as night guards, retainers, bridges, and dentures every day
• Replace your toothbrush at least every three months

Most importantly, see your dental professional for regular checkups and cleanings. If you have chronic bad breath, making an appointment with your dentist can help rule out more serious problems such as gum disease or other medical issues.

Ready to Get Rid of Your Bad Breath? The Professionals at Care Dental Center in Carson Can Help

If you are in the Carson, CA area and are having difficulty getting rid of mouth odor, our team of dental professionals can help. We emphasize dental cleanings and prevention in our practice and can help you regain oral health, reduce the incidence of halitosis, and create a home care regimen that will keep your breath smelling fresh and your smile healthy. 

Don’t be embarrassed by bad breath anymore. Get to the root of the issue by contacting our office today for an appointment at (310) 626-0004.