With a little extra attention to your oral hygiene routine and regular visits to your Nanaimo dentist, you can take control of bad breath and keep your smile fresh.
Experiencing bad breath? We’ve all been there! Whether it’s after that garlicky pizza or first thing in the morning, we’ve all experienced the not-so-pleasant odour that comes from our mouths. While it can be embarrassing, bad breath is something most people deal with at some point. The Nanaimo Smiles dental clinic team in Nanaimo is here to help you navigate bad breath, what bad breath needs and what dental hygiene steps you can take to keep your breath fresh and your oral health in check.
What is “bad breath”?
You’ve probably experienced bad breath after eating something strong, like garlic or onions, but did you know there’s actually a medical term for bad breath? It’s called halitosis, and it refers to any unpleasant odour coming from your mouth. Bad breath can vary from mild to intense, and sometimes it’s just a temporary issue, while other times it can linger longer. It may be something you notice yourself, or it could be obvious to others.
So, what’s really behind bad breath? It all comes down to bacteria in your mouth. These bacteria break down food particles, dead cells, and other components that are found in your mouth. This process produces something called volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), which are essentially the bad smells that give you that “rotten” or “sour” breath. They form mostly on your tongue, between your teeth, and along your gums—places that are a bit tricky to maintain with your oral hygiene routine.
The smell of bad breath can also tell you a lot about your health. For example, if your breath has a fruity or sweet odour, it could be related to diabetes or other metabolic issues. On the other hand, if it smells like ammonia, that could be a sign of kidney problems. While most cases of bad breath are tied to oral hygiene or dry mouth, if the problem is persistent, it could point to something more serious that might need attention from your doctor. If you are experiencing persistent bad breath in Nanaimo, do not ignore it. Contact our Nanaimo dental clinic today for your check-up.
What causes bad breath?
Just like gum disease or cavities, some people are more prone to bad breath due to a variety of factors, many of which are related to their oral habits and health. Good oral hygiene is so important for fresh breath—brushing your teeth, flossing, using mouthwash regularly, and visiting your Nanaimo dental hygienists and Nanaimo dentist on a regular basis for check-ups and dental cleanings all contribute to removing food particles, plaque, and bacteria that can lead to bad breath. Those who maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in their mouths tend to have better-smelling breath, while those with an overgrowth of harmful bacteria may experience persistent bad breath.
Saliva is another key factor in keeping your breath fresh. It naturally helps wash away food debris and bacteria, so people who produce more saliva generally have fewer issues with bad breath. Conversely, a dry mouth—often caused by dehydration, certain medications, or conditions like sleep apnea—can lead to bad breath because there’s less saliva to clear away bacteria.
Your diet and lifestyle choices can also impact your breath. Foods with strong odours like garlic, onions, and spicy dishes can leave a lingering smell, while coffee and alcohol can dry out your mouth, contributing to bad breath. Smoking and tobacco use are also major culprits, not only because they leave a strong odour, but also because they dry out your mouth and contribute to gum disease, both of which can worsen bad breath. Certain health conditions can also contribute to persistent bad breath. For example, gum disease leads to an overgrowth of bacteria in the mouth, which can cause foul-smelling breath.
Some people may naturally have more bacteria in their mouths, or their mouths may be harder to clean thoroughly during their daily dental hygiene routine, making them more susceptible to bad breath. In these cases, even with good oral hygiene, some people may still struggle more with breath issues.
Can a Nanaimo dental hygienist help with bad breath?
If you’re having trouble keeping bad breath at bay, our Nanaimo dental hygienists and Nanaimo dentists recommend starting by making the following changes to your lifestyle and dental care routine. And remember, our Nanaimo dental clinic is always accepting new patients, so if you have any questions about bad breath, please contact our team.
- Improve Oral Hygiene
The most important step in addressing bad breath is to make sure your oral hygiene is up to par. Our Nanaimo dentists recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily (before you brush) to remove food particles and plaque that can harbour bacteria. Don’t forget your tongue! The surface of your tongue is a common place where bacteria and food particles accumulate, contributing to bad breath. Using a tongue scraper or gently brushing your tongue can make a big difference.
- Stay Hydrated
Dry mouth is a major contributor to bad breath, so it’s crucial to keep your mouth moist. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps wash away food particles and bacteria. If you’re prone to dry mouth, try using a saliva-stimulating product or chewing sugar-free gum to promote saliva production. In some cases, certain medications can lead to dry mouth, so it’s important to discuss this with your doctor if you think your medication is contributing to the issue.
- Address Gum Disease and Cavities
Gum disease and untreated cavities are common causes of persistent bad breath. If you have any signs of gum disease—such as swollen, bleeding gums—your Nanaimo dentist can help. At our dental clinic, our Nanaimo dental hygienists can perform a deep cleaning or scaling to remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth and gums. Cavities also need to be treated by filling them to prevent bacteria from thriving in decayed areas. If it’s been a while since your last dental check-up, contact our Nanaimo dental clinic to start the process.
- Use Mouthwash Effectively
An antimicrobial or antibacterial mouthwash can help reduce the bacteria in your mouth. These mouthwashes not only help freshen your breath but can also address the root cause of bad breath by reducing bacterial growth. Be sure to choose a mouthwash that’s alcohol-free, as alcohol can dry out your mouth, making bad breath worse.
- Check for Underlying Health Conditions
If your bad breath persists despite good oral hygiene, it could be related to an underlying health issue. Conditions like acid reflux, sinus infections, or even diabetes can lead to bad breath. In such cases, your Nanaimo dentist would refer you to a medical professional to help identify and treat the underlying problem. Do not ignore persistent bad breath—it could be a sign that further attention is needed.
- Quit Smoking and Tobacco Use
Smoking and tobacco use are major contributors to bad breath. Not only do they leave a strong odour, but they also dry out your mouth and contribute to gum disease. If you smoke or use tobacco, quitting is one of the best things you can do for both your breath and your overall health.
- Diet and Lifestyle Adjustments
Your diet plays a big role in your breath. If you notice that certain foods make your breath worse, consider reducing them. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and water can help promote better breath. Our Nanaimo dentists also recommend avoiding sugary snacks that can feed bacteria in the mouth. If you are a coffee drinker or enjoy sugary treats, wait 30 minutes before brushing your teeth to avoid damaging the softened enamel.
Why does my breath stink if I have good dental hygiene?
At our Nanaimo dental clinic, our team of six Nanaimo dentists, certified dental assistants and Nanaimo dental hygienists can help resolve bad breath by identifying and addressing any underlying dental issues that may be contributing to the problem. If you’re struggling with persistent bad breath that doesn’t improve with regular brushing and flossing, it could be linked to conditions like gum disease, cavities, or infections. Our team will perform a comprehensive exam of your teeth, gums, and mouth to determine the source of the odour and recommend the best treatment, such as a professional cleaning, cavity fillings, etc. If dry mouth or certain medications are playing a role in your bad breath, we can provide advice on how to manage these factors. And if we suspect that your bad breath is related to a health condition beyond your oral care, our Nanaimo dental team will refer you to the appropriate medical professional for further evaluation. Our goal is to help you get to the root cause of your bad breath and provide the care you need to achieve fresher breath and better overall oral health.
Dental Hygiene in Nanaimo, BC
Bad breath can happen to anyone, but with added care to your Nanaimo oral hygiene routine and committing to regular check-ups with your Nanaimo dentist, you can keep your breath fresh so you can smile even more. If you’re experiencing bad breath and looking for answers, please don’t hesitate to contact our Nanaimo dental team today.