Suffering from constant bad breath can be an embarrassing issue. While mints or chewing gum can help temporarily mask foul odors, the most effective and permanent halitosis treatment can be found at your local dental office. Chronic bad breath is a condition that needs to be addressed. Our team can help you find the root cause of your bad breath to implement an effective solution.

How Poor Dental Hygiene Causes Bad Breath

Masking bad breath provides short-term relief, but it isn’t a permanent cure. The first step in truly ridding yourself of bad breath is to understand what’s causing your halitosis. Poor dental hygiene is the most common cause of bad breath. Around 85% of bad breath causes can be found inside the mouth. Not following through with a great brushing and flossing routine leaves behind microscopic bacteria that feast on the left-behind particles of food on your teeth. These bacteria create foul-smelling waste after eating, and this waste is left behind on your teeth.

Other Common Causes Of Chronic Halitosis

Another common cause of bad breath is an undetected cavity or other infection. Left untreated, the bacteria in a cavity emits a foul smell (and taste) in the mouth. Sometimes, halitosis has a more hidden but no-less serious cause.

Other causes of bad breath include:

• Acid reflux
• Sinus infection or nasal polyps
• Throat or mouth cancer
• Diabetes
• Digestive system and bowel disorders
• Liver disease
• Lung infection or lung cancer
• Smoking or tobacco use

Unexpected Halitosis Causes

Low-Carb Diets

Anyone who’s stuck to a keto diet is familiar with the term “keto breath.” When you drastically reduce the intake of carbohydrates to achieve ketosis, your body makes its energy by breaking down fats instead of carbs. As the fat is broken down, these fatty acids turn into acetone that causes bad breath. Keto breath is often described as a fruity or sweet smell.

High-Protein Diets

Consuming too much protein can cause halitosis because the body is unable to break it down efficiently. In this case, amino acids are produced, and when they’re combined with the already-present bacteria in the mouth, it causes bad breath.

Dehydration 

A lack of hydration in the body quickly leads to dry mouth, which causes bad breath. As the body’s natural saliva production slows down, your mouth loses its offensive ability to fight back against the bacteria that cause bad breath. Saliva not only helps to wash away left-behind food particles, but it also contains proteins and minerals that neutralize acids and limit bacterial growth.

Bad Breath Remedies

There may be a simple cure for your bad breath, depending on the cause. The first place to start is by upgrading your daily oral hygiene routine by:

• Brushing for at least two minutes, two times a day
• Flossing daily
• Scrape or brush your tongue every time you brush your teeth
• Incorporate a mouthwash to help kill bacteria
• Remove and clean dentures or other oral appliances regularly
• Have your teeth professionally cleaned at least twice per year

Other lifestyle cures for bad breath include:

• Drinking more water
• Eating a diet low in fat and rich in fruits and vegetables
• Quitting bad habits like smoking
• Rinsing your mouth with saltwater
• Rinsing your mouth with apple cider vinegar

When To Seek Professional Help

There are various solutions to curing bad breath, and at-home remedies can help so long as the underlying issue is corrected. With help from Hinsdale Dentistry, a custom treatment plan that includes proper oral hygiene, professional dental cleanings, and repairing any damaged teeth or gum tissue can offer a more permanent solution. We encourage you to contact our office today to schedule an appointment for halitosis treatment in the Hinsdale area. We’re here to help address any oral health concerns you may have.