National Fresh Breath Day: What to Do About Bad Breath

Few things are more embarrassing than being in the middle of an important social event and realizing that you have bad breath. Even worse, the odor could be a warning sign of a larger issue. In celebration of National Fresh Breath Day on August 6th, here’s a closer look at some of the possible causes of bad breath – as well as steps that you can take to address or prevent it.

What Can Cause Bad Breath?

Unsurprisingly, bad breath can often be the result of something you ate. When you consume garlic, onions, and other foods with strong odors, they can enter your bloodstream and travel to the lungs, thus affecting the smell of the air you breathe.

Another possible explanation for bad breath is poor oral hygiene. If bits of food are allowed to sit in your mouth for too long, bacteria can feed on them and release sulfur compounds as a result. Said sulfur compounds can end up making your breath smell like rotten eggs.

Finally, bad breath can be connected to a number of health conditions. A common example is gum disease, which is an infection of your gums. The bacteria that cause gum disease can easily contribute to an unpleasant smell. Other issues that can lead to bad breath include sinus conditions, gastric reflux, diabetes, or kidney disease.

What Can You Do About Bad Breath?

Are you looking for a solution for bad breath? Or are you trying to avoid developing it in the first place? In either case, the following steps can help:

• Brush and Floss Regularly: Brushing twice a day and flossing daily can go a long way toward reducing the presence of bacteria in your mouth and lowering your risk for gum disease.
• Rinse with Mouthwash: Adding mouthwash to your oral hygiene routine can freshen your breath and help get rid of bacteria that you may have overlooked while brushing.
• Clean Any Oral Appliances: Bacteria can easily build up on mouthguards, dentures, and anything else that you wear in your mouth. Hence, cleaning such appliances regularly is a must for maintaining fresh breath.
• Chew Sugar-Free Gum: Not only can sugar-free gum temporarily freshen your breath, but it also encourages the mouth to produce more saliva that can help fight bacteria.
• Visit Your Dentist: As part of a routine dental checkup, your dentist can screen for gum disease and other oral conditions that might be causing your bad breath. They can also advise you on what steps you should take next to deal with any issues that were found.

There’s no need to force yourself to live with bad breath. Being aware of the potential causes and taking the right precautions can ultimately make it easier to maintain fresh breath that makes a more positive impression at dates and parties.

About the Author

Dr. Ariel Heisser studied dentistry at the University of Michigan. She is one of less than 5% of dentists in the nation who have obtained a Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry, and she takes part in the Pankey Essentials program at the Pankey Institute. At Laketown Family Dental in Norton Shores, she offers various dental services, from regular preventive care to gum disease treatment. If you’re concerned about bad breath, you can schedule a visit with Dr. Heisser by visiting her website or calling (231) 737-2273.