Lifestyle and bad breath

Could your lifestyle be contributing to your bad breath?

Obviously, good oral hygiene is probably the most effective way to reduce accumulations of debris and bacteria that lead to bad breath.

As well as regular tooth brushing and flossing, the use of mechanical irrigators (such as a Waterpik) to remove accumulations of food after eating.

Brushing the tongue or using a commercial tongue scraper, especially over the bumpiest region of the tongue, may help remove the odour-causing agents as well as lower the overall bacteria count in the mouth.

Regular trips to the dentist are definitely recommended to prevent or treat gum disease. Early signs of gum disease can be spotted and treated.

There may be reduced saliva flow, which increases the concentration of bacteria in the mouth and worsens bad breath.

One of the most common causes of dry mouth is medication, such as antihistamines, some anti depressants, and diuretics; however, chronic mouth breathing, radiation therapy, dehydration, and various diseases can also contribute.

Measures that help increase saliva production (e.g., chewing sugarless gum and drinking plenty of water) may improve bad breath associated with dry mouth.

Avoiding alcohol (ironically found in many commercial mouthwashes) may also help, because alcohol is drying to the mouth.

Oral bacteria thrive on protein-rich foods which will increase the production of the smelly sulphur gases that are responsible for bad breath.

Cleaning the mouth after eating sulphur-rich foods, such as dairy, fish, and meat, may help remove the food sources for these bacteria.

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