Bacteria living in our mouths can break down proteins and release bad smelling sulphur waste. This can be exacerbated by proteins found in the coatings of our mouths and in our diets. By eliminating the coatings from the mouth that contain proteins and by reducing certain proteins in a person’s diet, our bad breath dentist can fight bad breath.
Bad breath can be caused or worsened by:
- Foods such as garlic, onions and spices
- Tobacco products
- Certain diseases and health problems
- Poor oral hygiene
- Dry mouth
- Pregnancy
- Certain medications
What Can Help Kill Bad Breath?
There are numerous steps you can take to kill bad breath before consulting with a bad breath specialist, including:
- Brushing and flossing frequently to remove plaque and bacteria
- Rinsing your mouth with mouthwash
- Avoiding foods that can affect the breath, such as onion and garlic
- Scraping your tongue to rid it of bacteria
- Giving up smoking
- Chewing sugar-free gum after meals to stimulate saliva
- Keeping your gums in a healthy condition
Despite following the bad breath solutions above, some people may find that they still experience bad breath. This is known as chronic bad breath.