1) Bad breath is most commonly caused by poor dental hygiene:

Chronic problems with bad breath are typically due to an unwanted coating of bacteria on your teeth and gums. This coating almost always results from failing to brush your teeth in the right way, or from failing to brush them at least twice every day. Without effective brushing, food residue lingers in your mouth and eventually produces the offensive odor that is characteristic of bad breath. If you are concerned that your breath is unpleasant, your first course of action should be to increase the frequency of your brushing and check that your technique is appropriate.

2) Smoking is the second most common cause of bad breath:

If someone brushes their teeth often and brushes them correctly, habitual smoking is another likely explanation for bad breathing. Of course, it is important to note there are also much more significant reasons why you should stop smoking. Being a smoker makes you more likely to suffer from gum disease, creates unsightly staining on your teeth, and substantially increases your risk of developing some form of oral cancer in your lifetime.

3) Xerostomia is sometimes responsible for bad breath:
In cases where bad breath is not caused by food residue or by smoking cigarettes, the most common cause is something called xerostomia. This condition also involves a malodorous buildup of bacteria, but the specific reason for this buildup is a poor flow of saliva. If you suspect that you are suffering from xerostomia, you will need to speak to your dentist in order to better identity the root cause of your dry mouth. This condition can be caused by malfunctioning salivary glands, particular medications, or breathing through your mouth instead of your nose. If the cause of your xerostomia cannot be eliminated, you can purchase an artificial saliva product that can help to reduce bad breath.

4) Some cases of bad breath are caused by underlying health problems:

In rare cases (i.e. slightly less than 10%), chronic bad breath is a symptom of an underlying illness that is unrelated to the teeth and gums. Some examples include digestive system malfunctions, throat infections, upper respiratory infections, kidney and liver problems, and sinus infections. If you have bad breath and have managed to rule out the other causes mentioned above and below, visit your doctor as well as your dentist.

5) Gum disease is often accompanied by bad breath:

In other cases, bad breath is a symptom of ongoing gum disease. If you are suffering from this condition, you are likely to have bleeding gums, visible inflammation, and a noticeably unpleasant taste in your mouth. If you are concerned about symptoms of gum disease, make an appointment with your dentist in order to receive a diagnosis and treatment plan.

6) There are things you can do to help prevent bad breath:

Above all, you must ensure that you brush your teeth twice a day and do so in a thorough manner so as to avoid bacteria building up and causing an unpleasant smell. Flossing will also help, as without using dental floss you are only cleaning three out of the five surfaces of your teeth. In addition, you may want to consider buying an antibacterial mouthwash that contains cetylpyridinium chloride.

7) You can perform a test to find out whether you have bad breath:

Finally, if you are concerned about your breath but are unsure about whether it is genuinely unpleasant to others, you can test your breath by smelling your wrist after licking a small patch of skin.

Whether you’re in a business meeting or a lunch date, halitosis or bad breath can ruin your whole day and your fabulous first impression. However, with these tips from your dentist at Kerrisdale General and Cosmetic Dentistry in Vancouver, you can quickly fix your bad breath and get back to business – social or professional.

Reach for the Lemon Water 

Dry mouth is often the cause of bad breath so keep your mouth moist and hydrated to avoid bad breath altogether. Washing down bacteria with lemon juice and water can help minimize bad breath and get you smiling again.

Chew on This

Sugar-free gum offers almost instant relief from bad breath. If you’re not a fan of chewing, you can opt for breath strips or mints instead. For a completely natural remedy to bad breath, order a dish that’s garnished with ginger, basil, mint or parsley.

Always Be Prepared 

Carry a travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste in your purse or bag for optimal oral hygiene on the go. Mouthwash or baking soda are also ideal for quick breath fixes and should eliminate bad breath altogether.

A word of caution from your dentist. Bad breath may be caused by poor oral hygiene or oral infections. If your bad breath is persistent and not caused by anything you ordered at lunch, schedule an appointment at Kerrisdale General and Cosmetic Dentistry and we’ll help you keep your breath fresh so that you can focus on the important things, like getting a new client or a second date.

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Bad breath can scare away a variety of people, whether it be your boss, family, or a potential new love interest. The team at 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre in Vancouver are always available to share the latest tips and tricks on how to freshen bad breath.

At 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre, we know that many patients are worried about how their breath smells. However, while some cases of bad breath are persistent and chronic, bad breath can typically be kept at bay.

The following video thoroughly explains the causes of bad breath and how it can be prevented. Most of the time, bad breath can be stopped if you brush your teeth twice a day after eating and floss regularly. The video focuses on morning breath and how this can be controlled, providing tips such as brushing inside the cheek and tongue where most of the bacteria accumulates. It is also recommended to drink plenty of water to encourage saliva production.

Watch the video below for more tips on how to get rid of bad breath.

To learn more about proper oral health, feel free to contact 123 Kerrisdale Dental Centre in Vancouver.