Bad breath, medically known as halitosis, can be a persistent and embarrassing issue. While some causes of bad breath are temporary (like garlic or onions), long-term halitosis is often linked to our daily habits. These are 10 habits that can lead to bad breath and what you can do to freshen things up:
1. Neglecting oral hygiene
Not brushing and flossing regularly allows food particles to remain in the mouth, fostering bacteria growth that produces foul-smelling sulphur compounds. Plaque buildup and leftover food particles lead to tartar, tooth decay, and ultimately, bad breath.
Solution: Brush twice a day and floss once daily. Consider using mouthwash as an extra step to kill bacteria and freshen your breath.
2. Infrequent tongue cleaning
Your tongue harbours bacteria, food particles, and dead cells that can easily contribute to unpleasant odours. If left uncleaned, your tongue becomes a breeding ground for bacteria that cause bad breath.
Solution: Clean your tongue daily using a toothbrush or tongue scraper.
3. Skipping dental checkups
Regular dental visits help remove tartar, which regular brushing and flossing can’t eliminate. They also help detect cavities, gum disease, or infections that may cause bad breath.
Solution: Schedule a dental checkup every six months to maintain a healthy, odor-free mouth.
4. Smoking or chewing tobacco
Tobacco products leave chemicals in the mouth that linger long after smoking or chewing, drying out the mouth and reducing saliva flow. This dryness allows bacteria to thrive, leading to bad breath.
Solution: Quit smoking or chewing tobacco products. Not only will your breath improve, but your overall health will benefit too.
5. Poor hydration habits
Saliva is crucial for washing away food particles and bacteria. When you’re dehydrated, your saliva production decreases, leading to a dry mouth, which is more prone to bad breath.
Solution: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and keep your mouth moist.
6. Consuming too much coffee
Coffee has a strong, lingering odour that can stick to the tongue, and it also contributes to dry mouth by decreasing saliva flow. Both these factors combined can contribute to bad breath.
Solution: Rinse your mouth with water after drinking coffee or limit your coffee intake.
7. High-sugar diet
Bacteria feed on sugar, producing foul-smelling acids as a byproduct. High-sugar diets can fuel bacteria in the mouth, leading to an imbalance that promotes bad breath.
Solution: Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks, and be sure to brush after meals if you do consume sweets.
8. Eating odour-producing foods
Garlic, onions, certain spices, and some fish contain sulfur compounds that not only leave your breath smelly but can linger in your bloodstream and lungs, releasing an odour each time you exhale.
Solution: Try eating fresh herbs like parsley or mint after meals. You can also drink green tea, known for its natural breath-freshening properties.
9. Drinking excessive alcohol
Alcohol dehydrates the body and reduces saliva flow, both of which contribute to dry mouth and bad breath. Alcohol also leaves a lingering odor as it metabolizes in the body.
Solution: Limit alcohol consumption, and drink water alongside any alcoholic beverages to reduce dehydration and keep your mouth moist.
10. Using mouthwash with alcohol
While mouthwash may freshen your breath temporarily, using one that contains alcohol can dry out your mouth and create the perfect environment for bad-breath-causing bacteria.
Solution: Choose an alcohol-free mouthwash that kills bacteria without the drying effect.
Breaking these habits can go a long way toward keeping your breath fresh and boosting your confidence.