Why Does My Mouth Smell Bad? Causes and Remedies
Approximately 25% of people struggle with bad breath. It’s one of the most traumatizing and intimidating problems, especially when people look the other way when you’re talking or avoid sitting close to you. Thankfully, there’s a solution. But first, you need to knowledge that you have the problem, look for the possible cause, and address the issue from the root.
Common Causes of Bad Breath
There are numerous types of bad breath (halitosis), depending on the underlying cause. Here are some of the most common reasons:
- Taking foods like onions, garlic, and other spices.
- Food remains on the teeth and gums.
- Using tobacco products
- Dry mouth due to low saliva production
- Oral, nasal, and throat infections like gum diseases, tooth decay, tonsil stones, inflammation in the nose, etc
- Some medications.
- Other health issues like diabetes
What it Could Mean
Most mouth odor cases relate to poor oral hygiene, lifestyle habits, and eating specific foods. However, the problem may also mean a lot of things that aren’t related to oral hygiene. For example, a persistent mouth odor may result from an underlying oral infection or even an unrelated health condition.
Again, bad breath in children may indicate a foreign substance, like a piece of food or other small materials from their toys, trapped in the nostril.
Things You Can Do
Here are some home remedies for mouth odor:
- Scrape and brush your tongue frequently to remove the coating
- Brush and floss at least twice daily to prevent bacterial build-up due to food remains
- Keep your mouth moist.
- Avoid foods like onions and other spices that make your breath sour.
- Mouthwash to freshen your breath and protect against bacteria
- Avoid tobacco products
- Use sugarless chewing gums in place of after-dinner mints.
When to See a Doctor
The first step towards addressing bad breath is reviewing oral hygiene, diet, and cutting some lifestyle habits like smoking.
If the problem doesn’t end after all the effort, it may be time to see a doctor to determine the underlying cause. Your doctor will help you understand if it’s because of any medication you’re using, underlying health conditions, or if you need the dentist’s attention. Again, your doctor will advise on the best way to maintain the health of your gums and permanently address the issue.
