Morning breath commonly occurs because the mouth is exposed to less oxygen than normal during the night. Dry mouth results—especially in those who sleep with their mouths open. A thorough morning brushing will eliminate the problem, but if bad breath (also known as halitosis) persists throughout the day and lasts for an extended period of time, it may be a sign of a more serious problem. The most common causes of persistent bad breath are:

Poor Oral Hygiene

Tongue bacteria are the culprits in 80 to 90% of cases of bad breath.1 Bacteria feed on broken down food particles while the reduction in saliva production during sleep allows them to multiply at a faster rate. Poor oral hygiene substantially increases the bacteria in the mouth because food particles that should be brushed and flossed away remain. Over time, poor oral hygiene causes plaque buildup, which causes inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) and can result in gum disease. Left untreated, gum disease can progress to the point where tooth extraction and/or gum surgery becomes a necessity.

Dry Mouth

Known as xerostomia, dry mouth is often a side effect of certain medications. Chemotherapy drugs, painkillers and anti-depressants are some of the most common2 medications that interfere with the body’s ability to produce the amount of saliva necessary for cleaning the mouth, preventing cavities and protecting against gum disease.3

Oral Infection

Bad breath can occur as a result of cavities, gum disease or wounds from extracted teeth.3

Diet

Strongly-flavored foods such as garlic, onions and curries cause bad breath because they are carried to the lungs through the bloodstream during the digestion process.3 The effects are temporary, however, and only last as long as it takes for the offending foods to exit the system.

Tobacco Use

Regular use of tobacco (in any form) is one of the biggest risk factors for developing gum disease, and also can make the treatment for gum disease more difficult.4

Dentures or Oral Appliances

Improperly cleaned dentures, braces or retainers leave rotting food particles in the mouth, which can lead to bad breath. In addition, improperly fitted dentures can cause infection as a result of bacteria overgrowth.

Medical Conditions

Diabetes, sinus infections, post-nasal drip, bronchitis, pneumonia, acid reflux and some kidney and liver diseases are commonly associated with bad breath.5

A good oral hygiene routine is the best natural treatment for gum disease

Consistency in brushing teeth, gums and tongue at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day is critical for maintaining fresh breath. If flossing is too difficult or harsh on your gums, oral irrigators are an excellent alternative for plaque removal. Unfortunately, neglecting these basic oral care routines doesn’t just increase the risk of halitosis, it increases the risk of periodontal disease which is a serious condition with side effects that extend far beyond the confines of the mouth. The American Academy of Periodontology states that people with gum disease are almost twice as likely to develop heart disease than those without6 this condition.

In addition to good hygiene habits, making the right diet and lifestyle choices can also help to keep your mouth clean and healthy. Regular dental checkups and replacing your toothbrush every few months can help reverse gum disease and prevent future oral problems.

The benefits of using all natural herbal products for gum disease treatment

A good toothpaste or mouth rinse effectively cleans the mouth without causing any unnecessary harm or side effects. The problem with most commercially produced dental care products is that they contain ingredients such as sodium lauryl sulfate and alcohol, which can be too harsh and drying for many people. Alcohol-based mouthwashes in particular often make bad breath worse because they increase the risk of dry mouth.

Choosing natural products, such as those made by the Dental Herb Company, is a simple way to freshen breath and help prevent gum disease naturally. Rather than using chemical additives, Dental Herb Company uses high quality essential oils and organic herbal extracts to maintain healthy gums and teeth. These all natural products reduce bacteria levels in your mouth, while conditioning gum tissue. Perfected over two decades, the formulations of these oral care products are safe and effective. For your convenience, Dental Herb Company’s clinically proven natural oral care products are now available for purchase online. We’ve made it easier than ever to get that healthy smile and fresh breath.

References:

  1. Rauscher, Megan. “Scientists Find Bug Responsible for Bad Breath.” Reuters.com. Thomson Reuters, 07 Apr. 2008. Web. <http://www.reuters.com/article/2008/04/07/us-bug-responsible-bad-breath-found-idUSTON77980320080407>.
  2. “Dry Mouth.” Chemocare.com. CARES Initiative, n.d. Web. <http://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/side-effects/dry-mouth.aspx>.
  3. “Bad Breath.” MayoClinic.com. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 18 Dec. 2012. Web. <http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bad-breath/DS00025/DSECTION=causes>.
  4. “Periodontal (Gum) Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments.” Nidcr.nih.gov. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, n.d. Web. <http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/GumDiseases/PeriodontalGumDisease.htm>.
  5. Cunha, John P., DO. “Bad Breath.” MedicineNet.com. Ed. Charles P. Davis, MD. MedicineNet, n.d. Web. <http://www.medicinenet.com/bad_breath/article.htm>.
  6. Feature, R. Morgan GriffinWebMD. “Periodontal Disease, Gum Disease, and Heart Health.”WebMD.com. WebMD, n.d. Web. <http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/features/periodontal-disease-heart-health>.