Causes of Bad Breath
Bad breath generally stems from bacteria in the mouth, often on the tongue. Bad breath can also be caused by food, poor dental hygiene, tobacco use and certain medical conditions.- Food: Daily brushing and flossing is imperative to removing food particles remaining in the mouth and around teeth. Those particles can collect bacteria and cause bad breath.
- Poor dental hygiene: If you do not clean your teeth, gums and tongue on a regular basis, plaque (a colorless deposit composed of bacteria) can build up, resulting in bad breath.
- Tobacco use: Smoking can cause chronic bad breath because the tar and nicotine build up on surfaces in the mouth. Also, smoking blocks saliva flow, leading to the growth of bacteria. Ask your doctor for advice about quitting.
- Medical conditions: Medical conditions such as respiratory tract infections, chronic sinusitis, postnasal drip, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbance, or liver or kidney ailments can cause bad breath.
How to Get Rid of Bad Breath
To help get rid of bad breath, make sure to brush twice a day and floss at least once a day to remove odor-causing bacteria from the mouth, tongue and teeth. Anti-bacterial rinses, such as Crest Pro-Health Rinse, are also effective at treating bad breath because they kill odor-causing bacteria. To keep your breath fresh between brushings try:- Rinsing your mouth with water after eating
- Chewing sugarless gum to stimulate saliva flow, which naturally cleanses teeth
- Snacking on celery, carrots or apples, which can loosen food debris while chewing
- Eating a nutritious diet, as vitamin deficiency can contribute to bad breath
- Using Crest Pro-Health Rinse to fight bad breath without the burn of alcohol
- Brushing the tongue in addition to the teeth and gums
