Even the brightest of smiles can be dulled by bad breath. Also known as halitosis, bad breath is an embarrassing problem that can be a symptom of more serious health issues. Quick fixes such as mints and chewing gum only cover up the bad smell but do not address the potential underlying issues. There are many home remedies for bad breath that we have outlined below, however, if your bad breath is a symptom of oral health issues you may need to see your dentist for a checkup.

Causes of bad breath

In the majority of cases, bad breath is caused by a buildup of bacteria in your mouth. Some common reasons for this are:

• Bad oral hygiene
• Gum disease
• Dry mouth
• Other health issues such as sinus, lung, or stomach diseases
• Diabetes

Home Remedies for bad breath

Consistent oral health routine

Having a consistent good oral health care routine will help combat bad breath. Make sure you brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. You should also floss at least once per day to remove food particles and plaque from your mouth. You can also use a tongue scraper or brush with a built-in tongue cleaner to carefully brush it.

Limit food and drink that cause bad breath

Limiting food and drink that can cause bad breath, such as garlic and onion, is a good idea. If you want to improve your breath, you should also limit your coffee, alcohol, and tobacco consumption. 

Avoid having a dry mouth.

Having a dry mouth can also cause bad breath, so it’s important to drink water regularly. You can also chew sugar-free gum after eating to help stimulate saliva. For chronic dry mouth symptoms, your dentist or doctor can prescribe you medication to increase the amount of saliva you produce.

If you’re concerned about persistent bad breath, it may be time to visit your dentist for a proper clean and examination.

Effective Dental Solutions for bad breath

Regular visits to the dentists

To ensure good oral health, you should visit your dentist twice a year, around six months apart. During your dental checkup, your dentist will be able to assess your overall mouth health and help identify any potential oral health issues that may cause bad breath. 

Dental treatment

As bad breath is a symptom of gum disease, you may be referred to a specialist who can help treat it.

Restore your confidence at Phoenix Road Dental

Want to know more about how our dentists can help you with bad breath and restore your confidence? The team at Phoenix Road Dental are always happy to help. Give us a call on (08) 9434 1235, or book an appointment online now, and our friendly staff will let you know how we can assist.