Bad Breath: Three Ways To Combat It

Bad breath, also called halitosis, is something that most of us have experienced, most of us have had at one time or another, and many of us have difficulties talking about.


Quick Facts About Bad Breath:

  • You can’t smell your own bad breath.

What Causes Bad Breath?

  2. Alcohol, Coffee & Cigarettes– At Gentle Dental Vancouver, we know that the one common factor amongst coffee, alcohol, and cigarettes is that they all slow down the production of saliva. Saliva is important because its bacterial enzymes kill bacteria that causes bad breath (as it re-mineralizes your tooth enamel, protecting your teeth from decay-causing bacteria).
  3. Spicy, Odorous Foods– Garlic, onions, and cured meats, etc. can cause bad breath, but it’s temporary as odor is released during ingestion and digestion … and then it’s gone.
  4. Dry Mouth– Also known asxerostomia,dry mouth can cause halitosis as saliva is lacking. Saliva washes away debris that accumulate on the tongue, gums, and cheeks. It’s the decomposition of this debris that causes bad breath.
  5. Gastrointestinal Problems/Acid Reflux– When your stomach acids bubble up to your esophagus, this may cause your food to regurgitate back to your esophagus. The lingering acid scan cause bad breath.
  6. Drugs– There are some medications that can reduce saliva and increase your chances of having bad breath.