Worried about the bad odour from your mouth before that much awaited job interview or before a date you have been waiting for? Well, you are not alone.
A recent study reveals that more than 50% of adults have faced this in their lives.

Let’s look into some reasons for bad breath and how can you control it.

Major causes for bad breath

1. Bacteria

Poor brushing habits gives way for bacteria to grow and build up. This leads to cavities and thus it creates that smell in your mouth.

2. Dry Mouth

Saliva is important because it works around the clock to wash out your mouth. If you don’t have enough, your mouth isn’t being cleaned as much as it should be.

3. Gum Disease

Bad breath that just won’t go away or a constant bad taste in your mouth can be a warning sign of advanced gum diseases building up in your mouth, which is caused by a sticky, cavity-causing bacteria called plaque.

4. Food

Garlic, onions, coffee… The list of breath-offending foods is long, and what you eat affects the air you exhale.

5. Smoking and Tobacco

Smoking is injurious to health it not just damages your lungs but indeed deteriorates your mouth and leads to bad breath.

6. Medical Conditions

Mouth infections can cause bad breath. However, if your dentist has ruled out other causes and you brush and floss every day, your bad breath could be the result of another problem, such as a sinus condition, gastric reflux, liver or kidney disease.

How to avoid bad breath

1. Brush and Floss

Brush twice a day and clean between your teeth daily with floss to get rid of all that bacteria that’s causing your bad breath.

2. Take Care of Your Tongue

Majority germs that create bad smell reside on your tongue and you need to ensure you clean it daily to prevent these germs to build up.

3. Mouthwash

Over-the-counter mouthwashes can help kill bacteria or neutralize and temporarily mask bad breath. It’s only a temporary solution, however. The longer you wait to brush and floss away food in your mouth, the more likely your breath will offend.

4. Clean Your Dentures

If you wear removable dentures, take them out at night, and clean them thoroughly before using them again the next morning.

5. Keep That Saliva Flowing

To get more saliva moving in your mouth, try eating healthy foods that require a lot of chewing, like carrots or apples. You can also try chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free candies. Your dentist may also recommend artificial saliva.

6. Quit Smoking

Giving up this dangerous habit is good for your body in many ways. Not only will you have better breath, you’ll have a better quality of life.

7. Visit Your Dentist Regularly

If you’re concerned about what’s causing your bad breath, make an appointment to see your dentist. Regular checkups allow your dentist to detect any problems such as gum disease or dry mouth and stop them before they become more serious. If your dentist determines your mouth is healthy, you may be referred to your primary care doctor.