Preventing Bad Breath as You Age

As we age, bad breath can become a bigger problem. The good news is that there are many simple ways to prevent and manage halitosis.

When the body ages, so does the mouth. Teeth fail, and gum disease becomes more likely the older we get. Since tooth decay and gum disease are two major causes of unpleasant mouth odor, we must recognize the link between getting a little older and an increased risk of bad breath.

Follow a Rigorous, Daily Oral Hygiene Regimen

Harvard Health Publishing reports that bad breath is likely related to poor oral hygiene. With this assumption in mind, the obvious remedy for bad breath is to focus on cleaning your teeth and mouth to get rid of bacteria that often gets trapped in between teeth. Also, don’t forget to brush your tongue since a lot of bacteria form there.

Experts recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing daily at a minimum. There are some people who brush their teeth after every meal and snack. The more you can brush your teeth, the better. Eliminating germs is key for stopping bad breath in its tracks. Using mouthwash to eliminate bacteria can also be a good additional step.

Drink Plenty of Water

Dry mouth is another source of stinky breath. Since saliva is crucial for helping to clean your mouth, Mayo Clinic reports that a lack of saliva in the mouth contributes to halitosis. Older people often have dry mouth from medications they take and from certain health conditions. Forcing yourself to drink plenty of water throughout the day will help with this condition and also assist in washing out the bacteria that causes the problem.

Avoid Certain Foods and Habits That Cause Your Breath to Smell Bad

Two of the worst food culprits to avoid are garlic and onions. These two items create that foul smell because they are comprised of sulfur compounds that enter the bloodstream and are then expelled into the air when you breathe.

Coffee and alcohol consumption and smoking are also known contributors to embarrassing foul breath. While aging is not necessarily linked to these habits, it makes sense to consider all possible culprits if you are worried that your breath is less than minty fresh.

Eat Foods That Naturally Cleanse Your Mouth

Just as there are foods to avoid, there are other foods that can actually improve your breath. The bonus is that the foods on this list provide additional health benefits too. Try increasing your intake of raw fruits and vegetables, parsley, basil, green tea, leafy greens and melon. These foods contain substances that help clean your mouth and fight bacteria buildup.

Visit Your Dentist for Regular Checkups and Cleanings

Plaque is definitely the enemy causing many dental problems that lead to unpleasant breath. Even if you brush your teeth regularly, it is important to visit your dentist at least twice a year for a professional cleaning and checkup. An experienced dental hygienist can remove plaque that is impossible to remove on your own.

Additionally, your dentist can treat dental problems that can cause bad breath. Gum disease and tooth decay are two major sources of smelly breath that your dentist can identify and eliminate.

If Bad Breath Persists, Consult a Physician

If none of the above tips cures your breath issues, then it is time to see a physician. You might want to start with an ear, nose and throat specialist. Sinus problems are a major cause of unpleasant breath. Specifically, sinus infections are often to blame for this embarrassing problem.

Summary

You don’t have to live with bad breath. Once you figure out the cause of the problem, it can typically be eliminated by following a few simple steps. The first place to start is to evaluate your oral hygiene practices to see if that is where the problem originates. In most cases, improved oral hygiene is all that is required to transform your bad breath into minty, fresh breath.