Can Mouthwash Remove Bad Breath?

If you have ever interacted with someone who had bad breath, you know how unpleasant the experience was. Therefore, the moment you are aware that you have bad breath, you will look for an immediate remedy. In some situations, you may have to visit a dental office near you. Read on to find the reasons for mouth odor and effective bad breath treatments.

What Causes Bad Breath?

Also known as halitosis, bad breath is a condition whereby the breath from your mouth smells. You may not notice your breath is unpleasant, but the people around you may tell you. Alternatively, you may notice their reactions when you open your mouth near them. For example, they may turn their head away, cover their noses, or walk away from you.

Some common causes of bad breath, according to the dentist in Scottsdale, AZ, are:

1. Poor oral hygiene

Your mouth contains hundreds of bacteria that help in digestion. These bacteria combine with food particles left in your mouth to form plaque and tartar. They accumulate when you do not brush or floss, releasing a terrible smell from your mouth.

You can also have bad breath if you do not brush or floss properly. People who wear dentures but do not clean them correctly will also have bad breath. This is because bacteria, food particles, and fungi accumulate, leading to halitosis. Poor oral hygiene increases the risks of oral health issues that cause bad breath.

2. Certain foods

Foods such as onions and garlic have aromatic oils that cause halitosis. When you consume them, they are digested and absorbed into the bloodstream. The oils are carried to your lungs through the blood. As a result, their pungent smell comes out through your mouth.

3. Gum disease

When you do not brush or floss well, plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth and along the gum line. The bacteria in them cause gum irritation and inflammation. Over time, they destroy the periodontal tissues causing a bad smell in your mouth.

4. Tobacco products

Tobacco products contain nicotine. It causes bad breath and increases the risk of other oral health issues that cause halitosis. These include gum disease and dry mouth conditions.

5. Dry mouth

It is a condition that occurs when your mouth produces inadequate saliva. Salivary gland issues or certain medications may cause it. The little saliva cannot flush out all the debris and food particles. As a result, they combine with acids in the mouth to release bacteria that cause your mouth to smell.

6. Diseases

Diseases such as liver malfunction, cancer, and gastroesophageal reflux lead to bad breath. It is because of the chemicals they produce which reach the mouth and cause a bad odor.

Bad Breath Treatment

You should visit the dental office near you if you have persistent bad breath. The dentist will diagnose your issue by smelling your breath. They will also evaluate your mouth to check for issues that lead to halitosis, such as dry mouth and gum disease. If these are not the causes, the dentist will use detectors to identify the chemicals causing your bad breath.

The Scottsdale dentist will then recommend treatments for your bad breath. In addition, they may recommend home remedies to reduce or prevent your bad breath. These include frequently brushing, adjusting your diet, and cleaning the tongue and dental appliances.

In addition, they may treat any cavities and gum infections, giving you a smile makeover. They may do a deep cleaning to eliminate all plaque and tartar. The dentist will instruct you on avoiding a dry mouth. They will work with your doctor to change medications that cause dry mouth and treat diseases leading to halitosis.

Can I Use Mouthwash to Eliminate Bad Breath?

Using a mouthwash can get rid of bad breath but only for a short while. An antiseptic mouthwash will kill the germs that cause bad breath and reduce plaque. However, bad breath worsens after a while since the alcohol in the mouthwash will dry your mouth. The lack of saliva allows bacteria to accumulate in the mouth resulting in worse halitosis.

Have you tried various bad breath remedies, but they do not work? Then contact us at Mercado Dental Care for a diagnosis to determine the cause of your halitosis.