Bad breath can be caused by a number of factors. Some of these factors include:
- poor oral hygiene
- bacteria build-up
- infection
- poor diet
- illness
- dental decay
- dehydration
- poor saliva production/saliva consistency
Some simple solutions to combating bad breath:
- keep hydrated: drink water in-between meals and avoid sugary drinks, coffee and tea until meal times.
- rinse your mouth with a bit of water after a meal. this will help dislodge any food debris.
- brush and floss regularly: this means twice a day!
- clean your tongue and gums as well: it is very important to clean the whole mouth.
- regular dental visits
- chewing sugar-free gum: gum is not only minty, but also stimulates saliva production, helping avoid dry mouth.
If you have noticed your breath is unpleasant or there is a bad taste in your mouth and you don’t know why, it is a good idea to visit your dentist.