What Helps with Bad Breath? What Causes Bad Breath?

Bad breath, known in medical literature as halitosis, is a serious issue that can cause discomfort for both the individual and those around them, and it should be taken seriously. A person complaining of bad breath may engage in behaviors such as chewing gum, using mouthwash, or utilizing mint-flavored products. However, these types of products can only temporarily mask bad breath. When the underlying causes of bad breath are not identified and treated, it can become a persistent daily problem. This condition can arise from factors such as the consumption of certain foods and insufficient attention to oral hygiene of the teeth and tongue, while some gastrointestinal diseases may also contribute to bad breath.

What Causes Bad Breath?

Complaints of bad breath can develop for various reasons; however, most bad breath issues begin in the mouth. One of the most common causes is a lack of attention to oral and dental health.

Food particles can break down on the surfaces of the teeth and around them, leading to an increase in bacteria in the mouth. Over time, food debris can cause changes in the dental structure. Especially when teeth are not brushed, a colorless sticky layer of bacteria called plaque forms on the teeth, resulting in an increased bacterial population in the mouth. The development of plaque can lead to various health issues, such as gingivitis and tooth decay, and can create an unpleasant odor in the mouth.

If dentures are present in the mouth, the lack of regular cleaning of the teeth can also result in an increase in the bacterial population that may cause odor. When tongue cleaning is neglected, odor-producing bacteria can also proliferate on the tongue. Therefore, oral hygiene should not be thought of solely as teeth cleaning; tongue cleaning should not be neglected either.

Complaints of bad breath can also arise from the foods consumed. Foods such as onions, garlic, and those containing strong spices can create an unpleasant odor in a person's mouth. After consuming such foods, their components are delivered to the lungs via the bloodstream and exhaled, which can adversely affect breath. Complaints of odor resulting from food consumption typically resolve after the consumption of the food stops.

Individuals with dry mouth often experience complaints of unpleasant odors in their mouths. Saliva helps to wash away particles that may cause bad odors in the mouth and keeps it clean. For those experiencing dry mouth, producing enough saliva can be challenging, making it harder for them to maintain oral hygiene.

When individuals sleep with their mouths open, the discomfort can worsen, leading to a more serious bad breath problem. Some medications may cause dry mouth, which can also increase complaints of odor.

An unpleasant odor on the breath may indicate an infectious condition. After surgical procedures such as tooth extractions, the presence of dental caries, gum diseases, or infections from sores developing in the mouth can cause bad odors that can be detected by both the individual and those nearby.

In addition to oral health, small stones that form in the tonsils can increase the bacterial population, leading to odor. Infections in the sinuses, nose, and throat, as well as the development of continuous postnasal drip, can also cause bad breath.

Complaints of bad breath may also be related to disorders developing in the digestive system. Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease include persistent heartburn and associated complaints of bad breath.

In cases where bad breath complaints are observed during childhood, different causes apart from dental health are also suspected. Foreign objects, such as food particles lodged in the nostrils, can cause bad breath in young children.

What Helps with Bad Breath?

To address complaints of bad breath, it is essential to identify the underlying cause. This way, a permanent solution can be provided to the problem. Typically, in cases where bad breath is related to oral health, measures are taken to help prevent cavities and reduce the risk of gum disease.

If there is a current issue such as dental caries or infection, steps can be taken to prevent the reoccurrence of bad breath after treating the primary health problem.

If the odor is caused by bacterial deposits known as plaque on the teeth, a dentist may recommend special mouthwashes to cleanse the mouth of bacteria. Additionally, antibacterial toothpaste can also be used.

In cases where the development of bad breath is due to a different disease, treating that condition may reduce or completely eliminate the complaint of odor. For example, if bad breath is experienced due to an upper respiratory infection, the complaint may disappear with the resolution of the infection. In cases like gastroesophageal reflux disease, treatments under a physician’s supervision can improve the person’s quality of life, while reducing complaints of bad breath over time.

How to Prevent Bad Breath?

Several steps can be taken to reduce or prevent bad breath. Teeth can be brushed after meals, and dental floss should be used at least once a day. This helps prevent plaque buildup on the teeth and the increase of bacteria due to food particles remaining between the teeth. It should not be neglected that the tongue needs to be brushed while brushing the teeth.

Dental and gum diseases are closely related to complaints of bad breath. Regular dental check-ups can help identify and prevent potential oral health problems before they develop. This can help prevent more serious issues like bad breath or tooth loss.

Keeping the mouth moist is also extremely important in preventing the development of bad odors. Drinking plenty of water can support adequate saliva production. Additionally, excessive caffeine and spicy food consumption should be avoided.

If there are complaints of dry mouth, chewing gum or using medications prescribed by a doctor can help keep the mouth moist, thus preventing the development of odor.

If the complaints of odor are periodic, the underlying cause may be related to the foods consumed. Consumption of foods that can cause bad breath, such as onions and garlic, can be limited. Excessive intake of sugary foods can also increase complaints of bad breath, so sugar consumption should also be restricted.

What Are Natural Remedies for Bad Breath?

Complaints of bad breath can be managed with some natural methods that can be applied at home. Some natural remedies for bad breath can be listed as follows:

• Increasing water intake
• Incorporating probiotic foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, and kefir into daily nutrition
• Paying attention to the consumption of hard and fiber-rich fruits and vegetables
• Avoiding sweet foods
• Chewing gum other than sugary gum
• Regularly gargling with sage tea

An unpleasant odor on the breath can develop due to various reasons. To find a permanent solution for this complaint, it is necessary to identify the main health problem causing the bad breath.

The source of bad breath can be determined through examinations performed by dentists, internists, or gastroenterologists. Depending on the identified primary cause, a treatment plan may be developed in necessary cases, or daily measures such as regular tooth brushing and limiting the consumption of certain foods can be implemented to resolve complaints of bad breath.