Bad breath is like a broken tail light on your car: You don’t know it’s there until someone embarrassingly points it out. And both require fast action. The problem: Gum usually just masks the scent of a smelly mouth. You have to find the culprit”which is sometimes easier said than done. Gingivitis (aka gum disease) is a common cause. If you have it, you’ll likely notice bleeding and inflamed or receding gums. Here are other possible reasons why you have foul breath.
You’re taking certain drugs
Medications for high blood pressure, antidepressants, and antihistamines can have side effects of xerostomia or dry mouth. This can lead to bad breath, as saliva is necessary to wash away food particles from the oral cavity. Saliva keeps your mouth moist, neutralizes acids, and washes away dead cells that build up. A lack of it means food particles, cells, and bacteria accumulate and stink up the joint. If you’re on a drug that’s drying you out, drink tons of water.
You’re hungry
So busy you skipped lunch? Eating helps you replenish the saliva in your mouth. Without food, your mouth is left dry and more susceptible to foul-smelling breath. Mouth infections mean loads of bacteria, which”when they decompose”can release odors of sulfur. If you think you could have an infection like pericoronitis, which is inflammation of the soft tissue around the crown of a tooth, it’s time to clean up your oral hygiene habits and see your dentist.
You’re brushing and flossing all wrong
Truth: Most of us are brushing and flossing completely incorrectly”and this causes food particles to build up. Trapped food particles accelerate the growth of bacteria and cause inflammation, leading to bad breath. The right way to brush - Hold the brush horizontally against your teeth and tilt it at a 45-degree angle. Move the toothbrush in short horizontal strokes. You should do this twice a day for two minutes each time. As for flossing? Gentle and thorough are key words. The floss should go slightly under your gum line and hug each tooth. Brushing alone misses almost half of the tooth surfaces, so flossing is also a must.
You neglect your tongue
Your pearly whites aren’t the only things that need brushing. Bacteria thrives all over your mouth, especially on your tongue. So pick up a tongue scraper at your local pharmacy and brush it every time you clean your teeth. Just remember to be careful”you don’t need much pressure.
You haven’t had your wisdom teeth removed
Still have your wisdom teeth? These teeth and the operculum”the piece of gum over wisdom teeth that are growing in”can trap food and bacteria and become infected, which can contribute to stinky breath. It’s best to ask your dentist if you need yours out. And if you think you have an infection, you could need antibiotics.
You have a cavity
Here’s a good case for keeping a date with your dentist every six months. Sometimes untreated cavities can cause sensitivity and pain; however, sometimes they can go unnoticed. And if you have one, you might give off some stink. Bacteria essentially eats away at tooth structure and release odors.
