Bad Breath Causes and Prevention

drsoniaolivares May 5, 2022 ·2 writeups ·joined May 2022

11 min read

Most people experience bad breath at some point in their lives, and 30 percent of the population suffers from chronic bad breath or halitosis in Florida. Dr. Sonia Olivares understands that bad breath is a delicate subject for most people, and for this reason, we treat it with sensitivity.

Bad Breath: What You Need to Know

What is Bad Breath?

Bad breath, also medically called halitosis, is an oral health disease characterized by foul-smelling breath as the primary symptom. Identifying the source of the foul breath is often the first step in treating this preventable disease. For some people, it’s just an occurrence once in a while but for some, it’s a daily problem. With a bad breath Doral treatment, this problem can have a solution. But before we talk about solutions, let’s talk about the top causes of bad breath first.

Top Causes of Bad Breath

Poor Oral Health Care

Most bad breath is caused by poor oral and dental hygiene. If you don’t clean your teeth and your mouth regularly, food particles can remain in your mouth or teeth and a sticky buildup of bacteria (also known as plaque) on your teeth. The uneven surface of your tongue, as well as your tonsils, can trap food particles and bacteria in the mouth which produce a bad breath odor. Poor oral hygiene also causes other oral health conditions such as cavities and gum diseases which can be also associated with bad breath.

Certain Foods and Drinks

After eating certain foods such as onions, garlic, certain vegetables, and spices— these odor-causing food particles enter the bloodstream and are carried to the lungs, where they affect the odor of your breath each time you exhale.

Coffee - A strong cup of coffee in the morning to start your day may energize you, but did you know that coffee can cause bad breath? It can be a cause of bad breath due to its intense flavor as well as the effect it has on saliva production. After drinking coffee, the caffeine leads to a decline in saliva production. Less saliva means an increase in odor-causing bacteria.Alcohol - Alcohol consumption is another culprit of bad breath, that’s why the more often you drink – the more likely you are to experience it. Drinking alcohol, particularly in excess, causes a decrease in saliva production, which is the best environment for odor-causing bacteria to flourish.High-sugar Diets - In addition to adventurous or spicy foods, diets that are high in sugar and protein can also result in bad breath. A high-sugar diet can lead to bad breath and could be the culprit for halitosis due to how sugars interact with the existing bacteria in your mouth. These bacteria feed on sugars turning sweet treats into sour smells.High-Protein or Low-Carb Diets - Carbohydrates serve crucial functions in our bodies, and if your diet is low enough in carbs, it can lead to bad breath. When the body doesn’t get enough carbs due to an extreme diet, this can cause changes to your body’s metabolism which can lead to bad breath. High-protein foods are sometimes difficult for your body to digest and tend to release sulfurous gases when they don’t metabolize. Avoid this by eating a more balanced and nutritious diet including more vegetables and herbs.

Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)

Saliva helps keep your mouth clean by removing food particles that lead to bad breath. When the production of saliva decreases or stops, a condition known as xerostomia, which causes bad breath, is likely to follow. This happens naturally while you sleep, which is why most people find their breath to be a bit stinky upon waking up. But if the problem persists throughout the day, bad breath treatment with iSmile Doral and iSmile Coral Gables may be worth considering.

Improper Denture Cleaning

Dentures that are not properly cleaned may harbor germs, fungus, and leftover food particles, all of which contribute to foul breath.

Tongue Odor Causing Bacteria

Certain bacteria on the back of your tongue may react with amino acids in meals, resulting in the formation of unpleasant sulfur compounds.

Periodontal Disease

Bad breath and an awful taste in the mouth are two of the most common symptoms of this gum disease. If you are experiencing this symptoms, contact your professional dental provider immediately. This problem requires quick attention by a dental specialist.

Smoking

Whether it’s cigarettes, chew, or pipe— these tobacco products cause bad breath and lead to much more serious oral health issues. Apart from leaving your mouth smelling like an ashtray, they damage the gum tissue and cause gum disease. Tobacco users also are at higher risk for the following:

Periodontal diseaseLoss of ability to tasteIrritated gumsOral cancer

Health Condition

Breath problems might be a sign of any of the following disorders. Consult your physician for a diagnosis:

A respiratory infectionInfection of the nose, windpipe, or lungsChronic bronchitisPostnasal dripChronic sinusitisDiabetesA gastrointestinal disorderA liver or kidney disorderDigestive Issues - Poor digestion, constipation, or bowel disorders can all cause unwelcoming odor on the breath. If you frequently experience acid reflux, the odors from recently consumed foods may easily make their way back up the esophagus and out the mouth, causing bad breath.

What Are the symptoms of halitosis?

The primary symptom of halitosis is an offensive mouth odor that is perceived beyond a socially acceptable standard. The stench may be more noticeable in the morning or after smoking, drinking coffee, or eating specific foods such as garlic.

What Is the Treatment For Halitosis?

Halitosis Treatment is mostly determined by the underlying cause of the problem, which may include:

Poor oral health care - If the foul breath is caused by poor dental hygiene, your dentist will often address the source of the issue.Gum disease - If the reason is an underlying gum disease, your dentist may be able to address the situation. Alternatively, you may be sent to an oral specialist—usually a periodontist like Dr. Sonia Olivares. Periodontal cleanings often assist in removing germs and tartar or plaque that have built up and are causing gumline irritation.Extensive plaque buildup - Dr. Sonia Olivares may suggest a mouth rinse that is antibacterial. Additionally, you may be instructed to lightly brush your tongue each time you clean your teeth to aid in the removal of odor-causing germs.Health Condition - Diagnosis and treatment of an underlying health problem may be sufficient to eliminate foul breath.

How can I prevent halitosis?

There are numerous tips you can do to avoid bad breath. But to summarize it all, do the things that promote proper oral hygiene and avoid eating food with a strong smell. Proper oral hygiene involves brushing and flossing your teeth properly, and a regular trip to your dentist.

Halitosis may be avoided or significantly reduced if you:

Brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day.Brush your tongue, cheeks, and upper part of your mouth using a soft bristle toothbrush. The majority of germs that contribute to foul breath are found on the tongue. That's why, brushing or scraping the tongue may significantly improve the quality of your breath.Do you have dentures? If you have, you should remove them at night and thoroughly clean them before replacing them in your mouth. Consult your dentist on the use of deodorizing sprays or pills. Some just temporarily cover the odor.Quit smoking if you do. You'll have better-smelling breath and an overall healthier physique.Consume healthful meals that require chewing to keep your saliva flowing. Carrots and apples both need a significant amount of saliva. Additionally, you may chew sugar-free gum or snort sugar-free candy. If your dentist determines that you still lack sufficient saliva to keep your mouth moist, he or she may advise artificial saliva.See your dentist regularly. Regular dental examinations help detect issues such as gum disease, infections, and dry mouth. If your dentist is unable to determine the source of your foul breath, you may be referred to your primary healthcare practitioner for further evaluation.

Bad Breath Treatment in Florida

Dr. Sonia Olivares has an extremely high success rate for bad breath cases and is confident that we can help you eliminate your problem. The vast majority of bad breath cases – nearly 90 percent – are caused by periodontal disease or gum disease. Dr. Sonia Olivares is uniquely capable of providing bad breath and halitosis treatment because she also specializes in the treatment of gum disease.

We understand the embarrassment that bad breath can cause, and Dr. Sonia Olivares can help. Bad breath and halitosis treatment are available at our practice to help individuals reclaim their quality of life and break free from the shackles that this condition places on them.