Bad breath is a common problem that can often be embarrassing and unpleasant. It can occur both in the short and long term and can be due to various causes. But don’t worry – there are many ways to prevent or treat bad breath. In this blog, we explain what causes bad breath and what you can do about it.

Causes of bad breath

If you suffer from bad breath, you should know that it can have various causes, such as poor oral hygiene, tooth decay, gum disease, dry mouth and dietary habits. It is important to understand these causes in order to recognize gum disease early and treat it. We take a closer look at the causes of bad breath and what you can do about it:

1. Poor oral hygiene

Poor oral hygiene is one of the most common causes of bad breath. If you don’t brush your teeth regularly and don’t use dental floss, bacteria can build up in your mouth and cause the odor.

2. Tooth decay

If you have tooth decay, the tooth can decompose and cause a bad odor. In this case, a visit to the dentist is essential to repair or remove the affected tooth. To prevent tooth decay, you should use a toothpaste with fluoride, such as EMOFORM Protect.

3. Gum disease

If you suffer from gum disease such as gingivitis or periodontitis, an odor can develop and spread. Gum disease is often caused by poor oral hygiene and can be treated by cleaning your teeth regularly and eating a balanced diet. In any case, clarify your condition at a dental practice.

4. Dry mouth

If your mouth is dry, it can lead to bad breath. Dry mouth can be caused by certain medications, breathing problems or a lack of fluid intake, among other things. Drink plenty of water and consult your doctor if you think your bad breath is due to medication.

5. Eating habits

Certain foods and drinks can lead to bad breath. Garlic, onions, alcohol and coffee are known causes of bad breath.

What you can do against bad breath

There are various measures you can take to reduce or eliminate bad breath. Here are some tips:

1. Cleanse your tongue

Bacteria can build up on your tongue and cause bad breath. Use a toothbrush or tongue scraper to clean your tongue. The solution is simple: not only brush your teeth twice a day and floss, but also clean your tongue to remove the bacteria.

2. Use a mouthwash

Mouthwashes can help reduce the odor in your mouth. Choose a mouthwash that has antibacterial properties to reduce bacterial growth. It helps if the mouthwash has a pleasant taste, such as tea tree oil.

3. Drink enough water

Drink enough water to avoid dry mouth. Adequate fluid intake also helps to reduce bacteria in the mouth. If you struggle to drink enough water, you can add a tasty and refreshing flavor to your water with lemon, cucumber or ginger.

4. Avoid tobacco and alcohol

Tobacco and alcohol are known causes of bad breath. Try to avoid these substances or consume them less often to reduce the odor. If you do consume these substances, make sure you use a mouthwash or brush your teeth afterwards to reduce the odor.

A balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables can help to reduce bad breath. Avoid or reduce the consumption of foods and drinks that are known to cause bad breath, such as garlic and coffee. A balanced diet also helps to prevent gum disease.

6. Use breath freshener products

There are many products on the market that can help freshen breath, such as breath sprays, chewing gum and mints. However, these can only help temporarily and should not be considered a substitute for good oral hygiene.

7. Consult your dentist

If you have persistent bad breath, you should see your dentist. They can determine whether the problem is due to tooth decay or gum disease and recommend suitable treatments.

Treating bad breath: Our recommendation

Bad breath is a common problem that can be due to a variety of causes. Poor oral hygiene, tooth decay, gum disease, dry mouth and dietary habits can all contribute.

To reduce or eliminate bad breath, you should brush your teeth regularly, clean your tongue, floss and use mouthwash, drink plenty of water and see your dentist if the problem persists. If you follow these tips, you should be able to reduce bad breath and increase your self-confidence.