Happy Fresh Breath Day
National Fresh Breath Day is the day that urges the importance and appreciation of oral hygiene and the fight against bad breath.
Bad breath happens. If you’ve ever gotten that not-so-fresh feeling on a date, at a job interview or just talking with friends, you’re not alone. Studies show that 50 percent of adults have had bad breath, or halitosis, at some point in their lives.
What Causes Bad Breath? There are a number of reasons you might experience bad breath. While many causes are harmless, bad breath can sometimes be a sign of something more serious.
- Bacteria. Bad breath can happen anytime thanks to the hundreds of types of bad breath-causing bacteria that naturally lives in your mouth. Your mouth also acts like a natural hothouse that allows these bacteria to grow. When you eat, bacteria feed on the food left in your mouth and leaves foul-smelling waste product behind.
- Dry Mouth. If your mouth feels dry, it may not be making enough saliva. Saliva is important because it works around the clock to wash out your mouth. If you don’t have enough, your mouth isn’t being cleaned as much as it should be. Dry mouth can also be cause by certain medications, salivary gland problems or by simply breathing through your mouth.
- Gum Disease. Bad breath that just won’t go away or a leaves a constant bad taste in your mouth can be a warning sign of advanced gum disease, which is caused by a sticky, cavity-causing bacteria called plaque.
- Food. Garlic, onions, coffee…the list of breath-offending foods is long, and what you eat affects the air you exhale.
- Smoking and Tobacco. Smoking stains your teeth, gives you bad breath and puts you at risk for a host of health problems. Tobacco reduces your ability to taste foods and irritates gum tissues. Tobacco users are more likely to suffer from gum disease. Since smoking also affects your sense of smell, smokers may bot be aware of how their breath smells.
- Medical Conditions. Mouth infections can cause bad breath. However, if your dentist has ruled out other causes and you brush and floss every day, your bad breath could be the result of another problem, such as a sinus condition, gastric reflux, diabetes, liver or kidney disease. In this case, see your healthcare provider.
How Can I Keep Bad Breath Away?
- Brush and Floss. Brush twice a day and clean between your teeth daily to get rid of all the bacteria that’s causing your bad breath.
- Mouthwash. Over-the-counter (OTC) mouthwashes can help kill bacteria or neutralize and temporarily mask bad breath. It’s only a temporary solution, however. The longer you wait to brush and floss away food in your mouth, the more likely your breath will offend.
- Clean Your Dentures. If you wear removable dentures, take them out at night and clean them thoroughly before using them again the next morning.
- Keep That Saliva Flowing. To get more saliva moving in your mouth, try eating healthy foods that require a lot of chewing like carrots or apples. You can also try chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free candies.
- Quit Smoking. Giving up this dangerous habit is good for your body in many ways. Not only will you have better breath, you’ll have a better quality of life.
- Visit Your Dentist Regularly. If your concerned about what’s causing your bad breath, make an appointment to see your dentist. Regular checkups allow your dentist to detect any problems such as gum disease or dry mouth and stop them before they become more serious.
Remember to brush and floss regularly, keep your mouth fresh by drinking plenty of water, chew sugar-free gum and talk to your dentist if you suspect a more serious problem.
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