Home Remedies For Bad Breath!
Dr. Gordon Tam • June 13, 2024
Bad breath affects our social life, and others’ impression of us. One of the most embarrassing parts is that most of the time, we ourselves are not aware of it. You can’t smell your own breath! It is too late when we notice other people’s reactions when we open our mouths.
Understanding the cause(s) of your bad breath allows you to address them more effectively.
Causes
- Periodontal (Gum) Disease - People with gum issues or in more severe cases, the poor condition of the gum allowed more bacteria to grow and multiply. Giving out foul-smelling breath and a constant unpleasant taste in the mouth are some of the main symptoms of a gum disease.
- Poor Oral Hygiene - For those who do not practice good oral hygiene, they do not remove food trapped in between their teeth. Bacteria start to grow and plaque is formed if they do not brush and floss regularly. These bacteria and food debris will cause bad breath and eventually gum disease and tooth decay.
- Health Issues -
Some cancers may cause a distinctive odour in the mouths. People with mastics issues, such as disorders related to the body’s ability to break down food into energy, may experience heartburn and it is a common reaction of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can lead to bad breath.
- Intake of Strong Smelling Food
that we eat is one of the most common causes of creating a foul smell in your mouth. Heavy smelling food such as garlic, onions and some spices may linger in your mouth. After digesting these foods, they can still affect your breath especially when you burp!
- Usage of Tobacco Products / Smoking - Smokers often feedback that they have bad breath. This is likely due to the consumption of tobacco products, causing gum disease and resulting in bad breath (eg. smell of tobacco).
- Infections in the Mouth and Throat -
(can also lead to temporary bad breath due to) bacteria growth. This includes post-surgery infection, mouth ulcers and infection in the nose, sinus or throat, which can cause post-nasal drip. (This is where fluid from the nose runs down the back of the throat, can result in a sore throat and subsequently temporary bad breath.)
- Dry mouth - Individuals suffering from a dry mouth condition (xerostomia - zeer–o-STOE-me-uh) experience insufficient saliva production from their salivary glands. Saliva plays a crucial role in cleansing our mouth and directly affects our breath. With insufficient production of saliva even during sleep, some of us wake up with bad breath also known as the morning breath. This condition is often exacerbated by mouth breathing, which further reduces saliva production.
- Medications - Some medications may indirectly cause bad breath when the chemicals in the medications break down and are absorbed into our bloodstream and lungs.
- Dentures or oral appliances - If you are wearing a denture, clear aligners, sports guard or night guard, your mouth may also develop smell after you remove them.
Treatments and Home Remedies
Here are some solutions to make your breath fresher.
- Rinse after you eat. It helps to get rid of the food debris and fluid stuck on the surfaces and in between your teeth
- Brush and floss your teeth twice a day with proper brushing technique to remove food debris and prevent plaque build-up
- Use a mouth rinse regularly
- Stop smoking
- Avoid eating strong-smelling food such as garlic, onion, and spices
- Drink plenty of water to prevent dryness in the mouth. Without saliva, bacteria thrive!
- Change your toothbrush regularly, as it provides an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive and the bristles will fray over time. Changing a new one regularly with good soft bristles can ensure proper brushing
- Keep any oral appliances clean by rinsing and brushing them before and after usage
- Seek dental treatments to address dental issues related to bad breath such as gum diseases.
- Maintain regular professional dental maintenance
Bad breath can significantly impact our daily lives, and seeking professional help can provide valuable insights into its causes and effective solutions. If managing bad breath at home becomes challenging, it would be ideal to seek professional help.
At Smile Design Dental Practice, we allocate sufficient time for each patient, conducting thorough tooth-by-tooth examination, taking radiographs to check between teeth, and assessing gum health. This comprehensive approach allows us to identify your dental issues accurately and customise a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
For more information and consultation, please contact Smile Design Dental Practice at +65 6463 8588.
To serve you better, we are available by Appointment Only.
Please contact us to schedule for an appointment.
The Next Level of Teeth Whitening A radiant, confident smile starts with healthy, luminous teeth. While surface stains from coffee, tea, or ageing are common, not all whitening treatments are created equal. Microscopic dentistry takes professional teeth whitening to the next level — combining advanced technology with precision and enamel-safe care for remarkable results.
A radiant smile is more than just white teeth — it reflects precision, care, and health. Yet even with the best brushing habits, many people notice gradual discolouration that dulls their smile over time. At our clinic, we approach teeth discolouration through the lens of microscopic and aesthetic dentistry. We uncover the root cause of stains with magnified accuracy and offer targeted treatments for lasting brightness.
Modern crowns made from zirconia oxide look and feel like real teeth, with strength that lasts 10–15 years. At our clinic, crowns are often crafted and fitted on the same day, enhanced in our in-house lab for natural beauty. Using an operating microscope, we ensure a precise fit and a bite that feels just right. It’s not just a crown—it’s a long-term investment in your smile, comfort, and confidence. When it comes to restoring a damaged or weakened tooth, a dental crown is often the best long-term solution. But not all crowns are created equal. Advances in modern dentistry now allow patients to enjoy crowns that are stronger, more natural-looking, and fitted with precision. Here’s why choosing a high-quality dental crown is an investment in both health and confidence.
How It Helps You Get Safer and Better Dental Treatment If you’ve ever had a filling or a root canal, you may have noticed your dentist placing a small sheet over your mouth, leaving only the tooth being worked on exposed. This is called a rubber dam, and while it may look unusual at first, it’s an essential part of modern dental care. Think of it as a protective shield that makes your treatment safer, cleaner, and more comfortable.
When people hear “root canal,” they often think of pain and extended dental visits. In reality, root canal treatment today is nothing like its old reputation. With the help of advanced dental technology, the procedure is now safer, more precise, and more comfortable than ever before. In fact, it is one of the most reliable ways to save a natural tooth.
Pregnancy is a beautiful and transformative journey, but it also comes with unique challenges for a mother’s health—including oral health. Many expectant mothers don’t realise that hormonal changes, new dietary habits, and morning sickness can affect their teeth and gums. Because dental health is closely connected to overall health, neglecting it during pregnancy can have consequences for both mother and baby. This article explores the most common dental issues that arise during pregnancy, why they matter, whether you can safely visit a dentist during this time, and what steps you can take to protect your smile.
In recent years, lemon water has gone from a simple household drink to a global health trend. Wellness experts, celebrities, and fitness enthusiasts often recommend starting the day with a warm glass of lemon water. Many believe it boosts immunity, improves skin, aids digestion, and helps with weight loss. But how much of this is true, and how much is just hype? Let’s look deeper into the science behind lemon water and whether it’s as good for you as it seems.
Many people only visit the dentist when pain becomes unbearable - but by then, dental problems are often more serious, costly, and challenging to treat. Your oral health can silently deteriorate without apparent symptoms, so knowing the warning signs is essential.
Have you ever bitten down on food and suddenly felt a sharp, stabbing pain in one of your teeth? This uncomfortable sensation can be worrying, but it’s also your body’s way of telling you something isn’t right. Understanding the possible reasons can help you know when to see a dentist and prevent more serious problems.
Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you — but more importantly, it reflects your overall health and wellbeing. Whether you want to restore your dental health after years of neglect or enhance your smile's appearance, you’re not alone. Many people feel self-conscious about their teeth, but the good news is that modern dentistry offers numerous ways to help you regain your confidence and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile for years to come.