Reston, VA
Imagine locking eyes with someone across the room, someone you are instantly attracted to. You get closer and closer, ready to lean in and start a conversation…but once you open your mouth, their face cringes and they immediately back away. And that’s the moment you realize the stench that emanates from your mouth might be the reason you’re single.
Chronic stinky breath is known to instantly douse the flames of passion. Bad breath makes getting intimate no fun in any relationship and is something most partners can’t tolerate long-term. So what can you do, aside from investing in a lifetime supply of gum or mints?
Having bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be embarrassing and it can explain why other people go to great lengths to avoid you. Yes, it may temporarily be solved by simply brushing your teeth, gargling with mouthwash or even by just chewing mint gum, but the fact is, the smell still lingers…and will rear its ugly head over and over again until you get to the root cause.
There are many things that cause people to have bad breath, and while most assume that poor oral hygiene is the only reason for it, there are other factors to consider.
Unfortunately, some people are not even aware that they have bad breath until someone else points it out, and whether done tactfully or not, it can still be a blow to one’s self confidence. If you suffer from or suspect you have halitosis, read on to learn more about its causes and what you can do to get rid of it, for good!
Main Causes of Bad Breath
- Poor Oral Hygiene – One of the most common reasons for having a bad breath is not treating your dental hygiene as a serious matter. If you don’t make taking care of your oral health a priority and part of your daily routine, then you’ll end up having bad breath, among other things. As you eat, food particles get stuck on your tongue, tonsils, and in between your teeth, forming bacteria that are known to cause unpleasant odors throughout your mouth.
- Smoking – You may have noticed that almost all people who smoke cigarettes or tobacco usually have bad breath, simply because tobacco produces an unpleasant smell in and of itself. Additionally, smokers have a higher risk of developing gum disease due to the chemical from cigarettes, and gum disease is a leading factor in developing chronic halitosis.
- Gastrointestinal / Digestive Issues – The cause of bad breath may also come from inside your body, specifically your gut, most commonly due to problems with your digestion and bowels. If you have ever experienced heartburn and/or acid reflux, you have likely also experienced an awful taste in your mouth. This happens when acid in the stomach climbs up into your esophagus then through the mouth, creating a foul taste and smell.
- Drinking Alcohol – Ever notice that when you wake up the morning after drinking alot of alcohol, you tend to be…no, not just hungover…but incredibly thirsty? Alcohol drains liquid from the body, including our saliva, and a decrease in saliva may cause dry mouth which leads to bad breath.
- Food and Drinks Choices – What you eat and drink are other factors that cause bad breath. Drinking coffee, for example, leaves your mouth with an intense, pungent flavor that creates an unpleasant smell. Other foods that have strong flavors like garlic and onions will do the same.
What Can You Do About Bad Breath?
Brush Your Teeth Daily – Brushing and flossing your teeth should be part of your daily routine. The more often you eat in a day, the more often you should clean your mouth. Brushing your teeth may not even be enough, and you could benefit from using a tongue cleaner and/or oral disinfecting agents like mouthwash to kill the germs that cause bad breath. Remember to carry a toothbrush and toothpaste to work or school, and make it a habit to brush after every meal or coffee run.
Schedule regular dental checkups and a professional cleaning – If you noticed you have bad breath, even just after brushing your teeth, don’t wait for anyone else to notice it, too! Call Dr. Queen at 703-689-2480 in Reston, VA now to schedule a checkup. Visit our scheduling form
Quit Smoking – It’s not easy to go cold turkey, but it can be done. Talk to your medical doctor or dentist for information on ways to stop smoking, and commit to quit!
Avoid Flavorful Foods and Drinks – Some foods and drinks are undeniably delicious, but if you are in a place where you can’t brush your teeth right after you eat, it’s better to avoid anything with a strong smell or flavor.
Eat Breath Freshening Foods – Parsley, cinnamon, clove, and mint can leave your mouth feeling – and smelling – fresh and clean.
Check with your Doctor – Do you feel like your bad breath could be caused by a problem with your digestion? The only way to know for sure is to consult Dr. Queen or your personal MD, as they are the experts who can assess your situation and give you medications and necessary recommendations.
Try sugar-free gum – When you decide to buy gum at the grocery checkout, look for a sugarless gum that carries the ADA seal on the package. That way, you know you can trust that the gum is safe and effective. If products carry this seal, the associated companies are required to verify the claims made on their packaging, such as those regarding the remineralization of teeth and the reduction of plaque and gingivitis. Check out some of our favorite sugar-free gums.
Don’t let stinky breath ruin your social life! Avoid the embarrassment and don’t wait until someone has to tell you about it…either with their words or by the look on their face! Bad breath CAN be avoided–and cured!