Bad Breath
Bad breath
Ever noticed your breath has a strong pong to it first thing in the morning or straight after a garlicky meal? Most of us experience bad breath every now and then, but for around 2.4% of Australian adults, bad breath (also known as ‘halitosis’) is a chronic problem which may be difficult to fix. Bad breath is usually caused by bacteria produced inside the mouth which produces an unpleasant odour, however there can be a number of contributing factors. Unfortunately, it may not be immediately obvious to the person experiencing it and can take another person telling you about it for you to realise. Bad breath can be embarrassing and cause anxiety - in severe cases, it may even impact relationships and quality of life. There can be lots of contributing factors to bad breath, but there are also plenty of approaches to help treat or get rid of it completely.
What causes bad breath?
In most cases, bad breath starts in the mouth itself, but can also originate from the nose, tonsils or from an underlying medical condition#. One of the most common causes of bad breath is sulphur-producing bacteria that live on the surface of the tongue, in the throat*, and in the cracks of teeth. The intensity of bad breath can change throughout the day, and may be impacted by what you eat, drink or smoke*. Outside of bacteria, some other common causes of bad breath include:
Dry mouth – sometimes caused by medicine, alcohol, stress or medical conditions
Tooth decay
Food getting stuck in the gaps between teeth and rotting
Saliva flow – saliva flow often decreases when sleep, which is why some of us wake up with dreaded ‘morning breath’
Gum disease – e.g. gingivitis, periodontitis
Poor oral hygiene, such as not brushing your teeth frequently or correctly
Smoking
Eating or drinking certain foods
Acid or bile in the stomach
Infections
Underlying medical conditions such as kidney disease, bronchitis or gastrointestinal disease>
Symptoms of halitosis (bad breath)
Other than a foul odour that you may be aware of yourself, symptoms of halitosis (bad breath) to look out for include:
Dry mouth
White coating on tongue, especially towards the back - this can sometimes occur when germs, debris, food particles, and dead cells get stuck between the papillae of the tongue and appear white as they build up1. Note this is different to oral thrush which may also result in similar symptoms of the tongue appearing white.
Plaque build-up up around teeth
Post-nasal drip or mucous
Thick saliva
A constant need to clear throat
Constant sour, bitter, metallic taste
It can be embarrassing and uncomfortable living with bad breath, and can hugely impact someone’s self-esteem and confidence.
How to get rid of bad breath
There is not one single treatment for bad breath, as treatment depends on what is causing the problem. Many people who experience bad breath find the following methods and lifestyle changes can improve or clear up bad breath*:
Good dental hygiene – brushing and flossing thoroughly every day
Avoid dehydration by drinking lots of water
Clean or scrape your tongue with the bristles of your toothbrush or a tongue scraper – do this gently, brushing from the back towards the front
Certain mouthwashes, toothpastes and lozenges
Saline nasal spray may help those with chronic sinusitis
Antibiotics may help reduce the build-up of sulphur-producing bacteria
When to see a Doctor?
If bad breath and other symptoms are not resolving with hygiene measures or it is affecting your self-esteem, it’s best to investigate this with your GP or dentist to rule out possible causes, and what approach will work best for you. If your bad breath is due to an underlying condition, your GP will be able to review the symptoms and decide what should be done next.
Bad breath can be an unavoidable part of life, but by making a few lifestyle changes and ensuring you are practicing good oral hygiene, there is better likelihood your bad breath can be minimised or cleared up. At MediADVICE, our team of friendly pharmacists can provide expert advice on any medication you’re taking that may be impacting your breath, and recommend products that may help. Speak to your local MediADVICE pharmacist today.