7 Habits That Cause Bad Breath
16 September 2016
Bad breath is a constant struggle in the 21st Century. First dates, interviews, dentist visits – we’re all paranoid of it. That’s why the chewing gum industry is one of the most profitable in the world.
Sometimes bad breath, otherwise known as halitosis, is caused by a medical condition and you should speak to your dentist if it’s still affecting your day-to-day life no matter what changes you’re trying to make.
However, often a few lifestyle tweaks can make all the difference. Here are some of the worst culprits for bad breath….
Skipping Breakfast
Pretty much everyone has bad breath in the morning but eating breakfast helps stimulate saliva and removes bacteria from your mouth, even after brushing. Skipping breakfast (especially if you drink coffee first thing) results in a very dry mouth! Remember to wait 30 minutes after brushing before you eat anything as this can affect tooth enamel.
Smoking
The smell of a cigarette alone is enough to tell you how bad this habit is for your breath (not just your all round health). It doesn’t just make your breath smell either; it stains your teeth, irritates your gums and reduces your sense of taste. Your mouth really won’t thank you for this one. We understand it can be difficult to give up smoking, speak to your dentist for advice if you’re finding it hard to quit or visit: https://yorkshiresmokefree.nhs.uk/
Eating Sticky Sweets
If you’re the one in the office who always has sweets like Haribo or a pack of wine gums at your desk it could be this that’s causing your breath to smell. Bacteria thrives on sugar and because these particular sweets stick to your teeth, it can spread to all areas of the mouth including hard to reach places.
Fad Diets
Crash dieting, fasting and low-carb diets can all contribute to bad breath. Causing the body to break down fat quickly produces chemicals called ketones that can come out on your breath. Try to avoid diets found online and only follow information from reputable sources, it’s even better if you can consult with your doctor first.
Poor Oral Hygiene Routine
This is the most common cause for bad breath. If you don’t floss and brush regularly, any food trapped will be broken down by bacteria and thrive in your mouth. Brushing your tongue and visiting your dentist on a regular basis should also be part of your routine. If this is an area where you struggle, we can help you with your dental hygiene.
Dehydration
If you’re a regular coffee or sugary drink person, try and swap it for water or herbal tea where possible. Both of these drinks contain high levels of acid that cause the odorous bacteria to reproduce more rapidly and create a bitter taste in your mouth. Chewing sugarless gum or eating hard fruit like an apple helps to stimulate saliva and eliminate bad breath, but there’s nothing better for your breath than drinking water as regularly as possible!
Feeling Stressed?
The most interesting part of a halitosis study by Newcastle University showed our mood can make a huge difference. Those with higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol in their saliva had more problems with bad breath. Making a few lifestyle changes or researching some relaxation techniques could eliminate bad breath, giving you one less thing to worry about!