Bad breath is often one of those things that you do not notice about yourself until someone points it out. You might then become hyper-aware of what your breath smells like, keeping your bag or desk full of breath mints.

However, it is not something you have to accept or feel embarrassed about.

From effective oral hygiene practices to natural remedies, this guide will offer actionable tips for beating bad breath and insights on when one should consider visiting a healthcare professional.

Bad breath, clinically referred to as halitosis, is typically described as an unpleasant odour expelled from the mouth.

Studies show that the prevalence of halitosis worldwide ranges from 22% to 50% among adults and is one of the primary reasons for seeking professional dental care.

Understanding its causes and symptoms is half the battle in overcoming this universal challenge.

Causes of Bad Breath

Odour-producing bacteria in the mouth primarily cause halitosis. The most common volatile molecules are alcohols, aliphatic compounds, amines, ketones, nitrogen-containing compounds, short-chain fatty acids, and sulphur compounds.

Let’s look at some common reasons you might be experiencing halitosis.

• Poor oral hygiene
  Inadequate brushing and flossing allows bacteria to accumulate in the mouth, leading to plaque and tartar buildup, which can cause bad breath.

• Gum diseases (gingivitis and periodontitis)
  Inflamed gums and damaged tissues create an environment for bacteria to thrive, resulting in bad breath.

• Dry mouth (xerostomia)
  Reduced saliva flow allows bacteria to multiply, causing bad breath. This also naturally occurs during sleep, often called “morning breath”.

• Incorrect cleaning of dentures & retainers
  Improper cleaning can lead to bacterial growth on the dentures or retainers, contributing to bad breath.

• Tobacco products
  Smoking and chewing tobacco can stain teeth, irritate gums, and dry out the mouth, leading to bad breath.

• Certain foods
  Strong-smelling foods like garlic, onions, and durian can temporarily cause bad breath.

• Starting a Keto Diet
  A temporary side effect of the keto diet can be bad breath due to increased production of ketone bodies, consequently putting the body in a state of ketosis.

Non-Oral Health Conditions That Cause Halitosis

• Diabetes
  People with diabetes have an increased risk of gum disease

• Liver disease or kidney disease
  People with liver or kidney disease may experience halitosis as their bodies struggle to expel certain toxins.

• Sjögren’s syndrome
  Muscle soreness, dry eyes, dry skin, and dry mouth (frequently associated with halitosis) are all symptoms of this autoimmune disease.

• Tonsillitis
  Inflammation of the tonsils can lead to postnasal drip and bacterial growth, both contributing to bad breath.

• Sinusitis
  Sinus infections can cause post-nasal drip, which can irritate the throat and lead to bad breath.

• Seasonal allergies
  Allergic reactions can cause post-nasal drip, which can irritate the throat and lead to bad breath.

• Respiratory tract infections
  Conditions like pneumonia and bronchitis can cause mucus buildup in the lungs, leading to bad breath.

• Gastrointestinal issues: Certain digestive disorders, such as acid reflux or irritable bowel syndrome, can cause bad breath. This occurs when stomach acid or food particles are expelled through the mouth or when certain bacteria in the gut produce foul-smelling gases.

• Side effects of certain drugs: Research indicates that certain substances, including dimethyl sulfoxide, cysteamine, disulfiram, nitric oxide, and penicillamine, can interact with bodily processes and lead to the production of oral malodor

Home remedies offer accessible and effective solutions for managing temporary halitosis, providing quick relief and supporting oral health through natural methods. Let’s look at some effective options:

1. Staying Hydrated

Hydration plays a pivotal role in oral health. Consuming six to eight glasses of water daily stimulates saliva production, which helps to naturally cleanse the mouth, remove food particles, and neutralise acids. This action can effectively combat dry mouth, a primary factor contributing to bad breath.

2. Snacking on Sugar-Free Yoghurt

Yoghurt contains healthy bacteria called probiotics. These healthy bacteria can combat harmful bacteria in various body parts and researchers have studied them as a treatment for periodontal disease.

A study showed that sugar-free traditional yoghurt reduced the levels of volatile sulphide compounds, which cause bad breath, in 80 percent of participants.

3. Warm Salt Water Rinse

A practice familiar to durian lovers, rinsing your mouth with salt water is an inexpensive and natural way to eliminate bad breath. It kills bacteria via osmosis, which removes the water from the bacteria.
Not only that, but this practice also temporarily increases the alkalinity of the oral environment, in which the bacteria can no longer thrive.

4. Baking Soda Mouthwash

Off-the-shelf mouthwashes often contain alcohol, with some also including chemical dyes and flavours.

For a homemade option that may already be available in your pantry, try making a homemade baking soda rinse. Baking soda, a.k.a. sodium bicarbonate, is proven to eliminate bacteria in the mouth.

Take 2 teaspoons of baking soda to 1 cup of warm water and move it around the mouth for approximately 45 seconds. Its low abrasivity and cost-effectiveness make it a great natural oral care alternative.

5. Chewing Mint Leaves

A study revealed that the phenolic and enzymatic compounds in mint leaves (peppermint, spearmint, and chocolate mint) possess deodorising properties, specifically targeting garlic odour.

Additionally, chewing these leaves can stimulate saliva production, which can help alleviate dry mouth. Alternatively, a mint tea would also work to freshen up your breath temporarily.

Experts suggest seeing your dentist at least once a year for routine check-ups and cleanings. However, you should visit the dentist more often if you have risk factors or warning signs of gum disease, such as persistent bad breath. This gives your dentist a chance to detect gum disease early.

In severe or persistent cases of halitosis due to oral conditions, some procedures can be done:

• Laser Therapy
  A cutting-edge approach, laser therapy targets and eliminates harmful bacteria in the mouth, particularly in hard-to-reach areas. This innovative treatment can significantly reduce oral pathogens, a primary cause of bad breath.

• Periodontal Treatment
  Gum disease is often a silent culprit of bad breath. Based on the severity of your periodontitis, a dentist can effectively address it through surgical or non-surgical periodontal treatments.

• Tongue Scraping Procedures
  A white tongue indicates that your tongue has trapped bacteria, food debris and dead skin cells, leading to halitosis. Without treatment, the bacteria that coats your tongue can cause further damage, such as gum disease.
  With proper oral care, white tongue should be temporary, but if it persists for more than a few weeks, visit a dentist for professional tongue scraping or to check for any underlying causes.

At Island Hospital, we offer personalised dental screenings for individuals of all ages. Check out our exclusive Children’s Dental Screening and Golden Smile For Seniors packages for healthier oral health.