Bad Breath Causes & Cures

A message from your Fresh Breath Dentists at Royal York Dental..

Worried About Breath Control?

Do you feel anxious about bad breath?

You're not alone. Most people are concerned about breath odor.Halitosis is the medical term for this.

Nobody wants to suffer the embarrassment of having bad breath - of being that one person everyone avoids or whispers about.

Tomas O'Caomhanach, author of The Bad Breath Report states, "Halitosis is one of the most embarrassing and most annoying problems anybody can have. It interferes with your work life, your social life, and, worst of all, it obliterates your sex life!

"Left unchecked," he continues "bad breath will destroy your relationships with family, friends, and lovers. It will flatten your confidence and self-esteem."

What Causes Halitosis?

Consider these seven causitive factors for bad breath...

#1 - Lack of Saliva.

Saliva is essential for breath control. Lose your saliva and your breath will suffer. Stimulate your saliva and your breath will improve. Simple as that.

Any restriction in saliva flow will hinder your ability to control bacterial plaque and gum infection. Without saliva, you inevitably suffer from tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath.

Dry mouth is a common condition brought on by age, illness and certain medications. If you have problems with a dry mouth, supportive treatment and dental products can help restore moisture and protect your teeth.

#2 - Fasting.

 Morning breath - yuck! That's the putrid taste in your mouth when you first wake up in the morning.

At night your mouth undergoes changes that contribute to increased odor. Your saliva flow decreases and the bacteria proliferates. Without carbohydrates for energy, those bacteria begin to metabolize proteins. That produces volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs). The stuff that makes your breath stink.

Whenever we fast, we expose our mouth to similar conditions as when we sleep. The bacteria's altered metabolism results in an increase of offensive odor. That’s why your breath may be fresh at 9am, but stale by the time noon roles around, especially after your umpteenth cup of coffee.

#3 - Food Odor

Enjoy spicy foods? Onions and garlic are commonly mixed within many food dishes and can be detected on your breath for up to 72 hours after digestion. Onions are absorbed by the stomach and the odour is then excreted through the lungs. Studies have even shown that garlic rubbed on the soles of the feet can show up later on the breath.

Garlic-breath or onion-breath, though somewhat offensive, are not serious and only temporary.

#4 - Poor Hygiene

This is probably the most significant factor regarding bad breath. There's a direct correlation between levels of bacteria in your mouth and the severity of Halitosis you experience. Here's the formula: dirty mouth equals stinky breath.

A cleaner mouth will have less odor and for most people that's motivation enough to keep everything fresh and clean. The great thing about dental hygiene therapy and your home care is that it maintains the health of your teeth and gums while helping your breath stay kissably fresh!

Your tongue can be a source of bad breath. The surface of your tongue is rough and can become coated with bacteria.

When you brush your teeth, don't forget to brush your tongue!

#5 - Dental Conditions

Untreated dental disease, such as tooth decay or gum disease, can directly contribute to mouth odor.  Bad breath is one of the warning signs of gum disease.

The good news is the breath odor generally disappears once the disease has been treated.

# 6 - Medical Conditions

Bad breath can be a symptom of an underlying systemic (medical) condition. Some medical conditions result in characteristic breath odors such as a fruity odor with diabetes. Individuals with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable to bacterial infections such as gum disease. Medications used to treat medical conditions can also alter the breath, particularly those that interfere with saliva production.

#7 - Smoking, Alcohol, Coffee and Tea.

Smoking along with coffee and alcohol consumption contributes to breath malodor directly, as well as increasing the problem of having a dry mouth. Smoking is also a very significant causative factor in the progression of gum disease.

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Bad Breath Blues

Most people remain concerned about breath odour. That's why breath control products have become such a huge industry. People are always searching for fast, effective bad breath cures. 

Who’s going to tell you your breath is off? It's socially taboo to openly talk about it . That means your friends aren’t likely to tell you. Even spouses are reluctant to give their mates the “nose news” when it comes to the delicate matter of Halitosis.

Since no one talks about it, we’re never entirely sure if we have a bad breath problem. Most of us are held in a suspended state of doubt.

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Bad Breath Cures

When it comes to matters of breath and the appearance of your smile, you want more than just the relief of knowing there isn’t a hidden problem. You want that total confidence of fresh breath and a terrific smile in every situation, every conversation.

The secret to having fresh breath is to establish supportive routines and rituals. Develop daily routines to help ensure your breath does not become a hidden problem. Keep up with your regular dental checkups. Come see us at an appropriate interval. Your hygienist can help you keep your breath kissably-fresh! 

Five HOT Tips on Keeping
                     Your Breath COOL...

Here are some quick tips for bad breath contriol:

Bad Breath Cure #1 - Drink plenty of water.

A quick swish and a few swigs can make a big difference in staying fresh throughout the day. Follow up that cup of java with a drink of clean, clear water (keeps your teeth whiter too). 

Bad Breath Cure #2 - Brush & floss.

Do what your mama told you (and your hygienist too).
Keep your teeth and gums sparkling clean to stay healthy and fresh.

Bad Breath Cure #3 - Eat nutritious foods.

Consume plenty of vegetables and fresh fruit. Limit sweets since refined sugars will feed the bacteria within your mouth. Try to avoid skipping meals. Take it easy with the onions and garlic. You’ll scare away more than vampires if you overdo it!

Bad Breath Cure #4 - Find a breath buddy.

Find someone you can trust to keep you informed of your breath status. Confirmation will help your confidence.

Bad Breath Cure #5 - Visit the dentist.

A checkup and hygiene visit will give you that fresh, clean start and ensure you stay trouble(and pain)-free.

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Fresh Breath Treatment

If you need a Fresh Breath Dentist, call us today.

We’ll give your teeth and gum all the TLC they need to get you back on track.

CALL 416-231-0550 to reserve time for a hygiene visit.