Persistent bad breath, or halitosis, is a common disorder that many suffer from. It’s a problem that can get in the way of your self-esteem and everyday life. If you’re bothered by it, don’t worry, you’re not alone. In fact, about 1 out of every 4 people suffers from bad breath regularly. But the silver lining is, persistent bad breath can be cured, and with the right care, you can get rid of it for good.

Why Does Chronic Bad Breath Happen?

Before we proceed to the solutions, let’s address why chronic bad breath occurs. It can be due to a combination of causes, such as:

• Poor oral hygiene: Inability to brush or floss may cause food particles and germs to build up in your mouth and, consequently, bring on bad odors.
• Dry mouth: Saliva cleanses your mouth and removes food particles. Dry mouth can cause bad breath.
• Dietary habits: Foods like coffee, onions, and garlic possess a lingering odor.
• Gum disease or tooth decay: Untreated dental issues like cavities or gum disease can cause long-lasting bad breath.
• Medical conditions: In some other cases, bad breath can be due to diabetes or a respiratory infection.

Let’s proceed to how you can treat chronic bad breath and regain your fresh, confident smile.

Tips to Cure Chronic Bad Breath

If you’re ready to battle bad breath, here are some tips you can follow to start anew today:

1. Brush and Floss Regularly

The most basic fix for bad breath starts with good oral care. Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes and floss once a day. Brushing gets rid of food particles and plaque, and flossing gets rid of the debris between the teeth. Brush your tongue as bacteria build up there, too, causing bad breath.

2. Stay Hydrated

Dry mouth is one of the most common reasons for bad breath. Keeping yourself hydrated throughout the day will keep your mouth moist and allow saliva to function properly. Being in San Jose, the dry weather here can dry your mouth out, so make sure you always carry a bottle of water with you.

3. Use Mouthwash

An antibacterial mouthwash can also freshen your breath as well as kill bacteria within your mouth. Find an alcohol-free mouthwash that won’t dry out your mouth. A good rinse also reaches all the areas within your mouth that brushing and flossing may have missed.

4. Chew Sugar-Free Gum

If you’re on the go and need a quick fix, sugar-free gum is a great option. It stimulates saliva production, which helps cleanse your mouth and neutralize odors. Plus, it gives your breath a refreshing boost throughout the day.

5. Schedule Regular Dental Checkups

Regular visits to your San Jose dentist will help maintain good oral health. Your dentist can detect any issues like cavities, gum disease, or dry mouth that could be causing constant bad breath. These issues can be treated before they become more severe and, ultimately, eliminate chronic bad breath.

When Should You See a Dentist?

Persistent bad breath can be a sign of an underlying issue that requires professional treatment. Maybe it’s gum disease, tooth decay, or an underlying medical condition, but your dentist in San Jose can diagnose the cause and offer the best cure.

It does take some time and constant effort to treat chronic bad breath, but it can certainly be done. With good oral hygiene, 12 to 16 cups of water intake daily, and regular visits to your dentist, you can regain fresh breath and have a healthy mouth.