31 Oct Don’t Let Bad Breath be the Reason You Don’t Get Kissed under the Mistletoe

Halitosis is the scientific word for something that people in the dating pool fear the most: bad breath. Having many symptoms and causes, bad breath plagues one fourth of the entire planet. We’ve all smelled it, and we can all vouch for its need for a cure. Here are some of the most common (and not so common) symptoms of bad breath, and how it can be prevented before you attend the holiday party with a lot of mistletoe!

Common Causes of Bad Breath
Out of all of the factors of bad breath, oral hygiene is most often attributed. Cases can be small or severe depending on the individual. A long list of symptoms can help you better understand where your bad breath came from:

● Not brushing your teeth can cause very bad breath. This is an obvious statement, but important nonetheless. If you don’t brush your teeth, it can cause food and bacteria participles to become stuck, causing an ever increasing bad odor. The lack of flossing can also lead to this unsavory scent.

● Addictive habits such as smoking, drinking, drug use, and coffee drinking can all contribute to a consistent case of bad breath. Tobacco becomes stuck to the gums and teeth, causing a smell that is very hard to get rid of. Coffee and alcohol can have much of the same effect, as its tar-like chemicals find ways to stick to your mouth for long periods of time.

● Snoring and mouth breathing are some of the most common causes and symptoms of bad breath. Breathing through the mouth for long periods of time causes it to become dry, with the air from your breath allowing the buildup of bacteria and other particles. People who snore are far more likely to wake up with a case of pretty bad breath than people who do not snore.

Uncommon Causes of Bad Breath
There are some serious medical issues that can also contribute to bad breath. If your breath is consistently very bad, and your dental hygiene is not to blame, you may be suffering from medical conditions such as kidney or liver failure. On a less serious note, certain foods such as garlic and onions can cause you to have a very strong stench on your mouth. This type of bad breath usually goes away in a short period of time.

Preventing Bad Breath and Getting That Kiss Under the Mistletoe!
If you are concerned with the way your breath smells, and you fear it may affect your popularity at your next party, there are several measures that can be taken to cure and prevent halitosis for good. Maintaining a regular teeth brushing and flossing schedule can drastically reduce the amount of junk in your teeth, causing your breath to be fresh and lively once more. Visiting the dentist for an annual or bi-annual checkup and cleaning is the surest way to prevent the bacteria that cause bad breath. Dentists in Sydney will work to scrape off plaque and tartar, which is the main source of the stench. With plaque and tartar gone, not only will your breath smell fine, but you will also be protecting yourself against cavities, gum disease, and other harmful issues that can be detrimental to your oral hygiene!

If you have the habit of smoking or drinking consistently, you may need to end that behavior in order to cure your bad breath. Halitosis and tobacco go hand in hand, and it can take a very long time for the smell and taste of tobacco to leave your oral cavity. By cutting back the amount you smoke and drink, you can greatly improve your oral hygiene and find much greater success under the mistletoe!

Resources
https://www.colgate.com/en/us/oc/oral-health/conditions/bad-breath/article/halitosis
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/h/halitosis
https://www.emedicinehealth.com/bad_breath_halitosis/article_em.htm