Oral Care: 4 habits that cause bad breath (and no, not brushing is not one of them!) |

Bad breath can ruin moments, stemming from poor oral hygiene and other habits. Dehydration reduces saliva, fostering bacteria, while certain diets and smoking exacerbate the issue. Moreover, persistent bad breath might indicate underlying conditions like kidney or liver disease, diabetes, or GERD, necessitating a doctor’s consultation.

Bad breath can set things off. Be it’s a first date, an important meeting, or just everyday conversations, bad breath can kill the mood. Though poor oral hygiene is a major culprit, many other common habits turn your breath sour. Habits that are unknowingly causing you a bad oral odour. Here are four common culprits that could be behind bad breath and how to address them.

Yes, not drinking adequate water can lead to bad breath. This is because, when the body lacks water, saliva production decreases, allowing bacteria to thrive in the mouth. Your saliva plays a crucial role in naturally cleansing the mouth, washing away food particles and bacteria that cause unpleasant odour. Poor hydration can lead to a dry mouth and foster an environment where sulfur-producing bacteria flourish. This can lead to foul breath. How to combat this? Hydration. Aim to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily.

Yes, that’s right. What you eat has a crucial role in how your breath smells. Certain foods, beyond the obvious garlic and onions, can contribute to bad breath. For instance, high-protein diets, especially favoured by people on a weight loss plan, can cause the body to break down fat. This process produces ketones that emit a distinct, unpleasant odour. Beyond causing dental issues, sugary foods and beverages also feed oral bacteria, leading to acid production and bad breath. Focus on a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables.

Tobacco products not only cause havoc on your health, but also contribute to halitosis, aka, bad breath. Consuming tobacco dries out the mouth, reduces saliva, and leaves a lingering odour that persists even after brushing. Quitting smoking or tobacco use is the best solution.

Bad breath can sometimes mean more. They could be signs of certain chronic diseases. Untreated diseases or underlying issues can lead to bad breath. Unpleasant breath may signal kidney disease or failure, liver disease or failure, diabetes, sleep apnea, or gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD). A 2024 study has found that children, adolescents, and young adults with CKD regularly suffer from halitosis. If breath mints and brushing don’t help, and the odour is ongoing, it is important to consult a doctor.

Certain lifestyle changes, such as eating a balanced diet, quitting tobacco, maintaining oral hygiene, and staying hydrated, can prevent bad breath. However, if it persists, it could be a signal of an underlying disease. In such cases, consult a dentist.