How Do You Get Rid of Bad Breath? 3 People Share What Works for Them
Key takeaways:
Bad breath isn’t only caused by what you eat. It also comes from bacteria in your mouth.
A number of things can make bad breath worse, including gum disease, dry mouth, acid reflux, and smoking.
While proper dental hygiene can help with bad breath, those who deal with this issue say it’s essential to consult a dentist to find out if there’s an underlying cause.
Not everyone is aware of their own bad breath, but the people around them most certainly are.
Bad breath is caused by bacteria in your mouth, and plaque buildup, gum disease, dry mouth, and acid reflux can make it worse. Getting into the routine of brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash can help keep bad breath under control. So can lifestyle changes, like kicking a tobacco habit.
Three people discuss how they keep bad breath away.
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Persistence (and a few other good habits) pay off
Mark Joseph struggled with bad breath for years before finding a solution. Breath mints and gum weren’t eliminating the odors, and he finally sought professional help after his wife mentioned his bad breath several times.
“That’s when I realized how big of a problem it was,” says the 32-year-old father of two from St. Louis, Missouri.
“I didn’t want to cause my wife discomfort, and it was embarrassing to think that I was always walking around with bad breath,” says Mark, the founder of a parenting website.
“I didn’t want her to have to hold her breath when I kissed her. I also realized that it was affecting my social life in ways that weren’t comfortable,” he notes. “I was aware of how close other people were standing to me and whether they were holding their breath. I’d find ways to cover my mouth while laughing or talking.
“I also didn’t want to be the person who always had to keep their distance from others because of their bad breath,” Mark remembers. “And I started to think about my long-term health. I knew that bad breath could signify gum disease or other problems, and I didn’t want to ignore my health. That’s when I decided to start looking for a solution to get rid of it permanently.”
Mark started tackling bad breath by brushing his teeth and flossing more frequently and using mouthwash. His breath would clear up for a while, and then the odors would return. His doctor advised him to continue his oral hygiene routine and also prescribed ginger root, an herbal supplement.
“I started taking ginger root capsules immediately, three times a day, every day,” he says. “It’s an anti-inflammatory product, and its enzymes break down the oils in your mouth that are a breeding ground for bacteria,” he explains. “Ginger root can be a little strong and intense to take initially, but I quickly got used to the taste and didn’t have any side effects. I started to notice results within two weeks. My bad breath was gone, and my mouth felt fresher overall. I took it
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Mark also changed his diet, giving up coffee, alcohol, and spicy foods — a difficult lifestyle decision.
“I love all of those foods, and I didn’t want to have to give them up,” Mark concedes. “But I also knew they were contributing to my bad breath, and I decided it was worth the sacrifice.”
Over time, Mark discovered dietary workarounds he could live with. He started drinking decaf coffee and herbal tea instead of caffeinated coffee, and he found that if he consumed alcohol and spicy foods in moderation they wouldn’t trigger a bout of bad breath.
“Most importantly, my bad breath is gone,” he says. “The most important thing is to be persistent. Keep going even if you’re still waiting to see results. It might take some time and persistence to find the right solution for you. Keep in mind that you’re not alone. Bad breath is a very common problem, and you can find support and advice from your healthcare team and from others in the same shoes. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help when you need it.”
‘Life is too short to have bad breath’
After nearly 8 years and visits to multiple dentists, Ed Shway now knows that pockets of bacterial infection around his teeth and gum line were causing his bad breath.
“What finally solved the issue for me was finally finding an experienced dentist, and I’m managing it now so that my breath doesn’t smell bad during the day,” says Ed, a 33-year-old digital specialist in Torrance, California, who co-owns a tutorial site. “Life is too short to have bad breath for years in your 20s.”
He initially turned to the internet to try to figure out what was causing his bad breath and how to treat it, but much of the information he found was repetitive.
“I was lucky that my father recommended a dentist who was very thorough,” he says. “The dentist found the periodontal pockets and other things that other dentists missed. He gave me a 30-minute speech about how you should take care of your teeth because what you lose in terms of dental health is gone forever and is very difficult and very expensive to replace.”
Today, Ed’s routine includes:
Daily use of chlorhexidrine, a prescription mouthwash, on the four identified pockets of infection near his top molars. He uses a syringe to squirt the liquid onto the troublesome areas.
Regular flossing with sterilized sewing thread provided by his dentist to remove debris caught between his teeth and particles or deposits that collect on the teeth.
Regular use of an electric flosser — sometimes called an oral irrigator or Waterpik. “Every morning, after every meal, and before going to bed,” Ed says. “You need to adopt this as a habit, and the cordless ones are much more convenient if you don’t have an outlet next to your sink.”
Standard daily dental care, such as brushing at least twice a day, flossing after every big meal and before bed, and oral irrigation after meals (when possible).
“Now I can finally and confidently talk to people without worrying about my breath,” he says. “I feel much better about myself, but it’s still upsetting that it took me this long to find a solution. It’s such a relief that I finally did.”
His advice to others with bad breath: If what you’re doing isn’t effective, “try another dentist.”
When in doubt, see your dentist
Not only is bad breath a fairly common problem, it’s also one that can be resolved, says Tali Ditye of Concord, Massachusetts. She is a cofounder and editor of a website that tests and reviews infant and toddler products.
Bad breath can be the result of eating certain foods or smoking cigarettes, or it can be linked to dry mouth and gum disease, she says.
“But the most common cause is poor hygiene, and brushing and flossing your teeth regularly can help remove the buildup of bacteria that can cause bad breath,” she says. Other tactics she has found to be effective include using a tongue scraper, rinsing with mouthwash regularly, and avoiding tobacco products.
“If you have persistent bad breath, you may need to see your dentist to rule out other possible causes,” Tali says.
What does the doctor say?
Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH
Medical Editor
Many people struggle with bad breath, either chronically or once in a while. Bad breath can be embarrassing, but it can also be a sign of dental and gum disease.
To keep your breath fresh and your teeth and gums healthy, brush twice a day for 2 minutes and floss once a day. Routine dental cleanings will also limit plaque buildup, where bacteria can otherwise grow and thrive. Your dentist can also make sure your gums are healthy and that you don’t have dry mouth. They might prescribe prescription mouthwashes and other treatments if you need them. Poor-fitting dentures can cause bad breath, too. If you use dentures, ask your dentist to check your fit and to give you feedback on how well you're keeping them clean.
Keep in mind that your bad breath can be caused by medical conditions such as dry mouth and reflux (heartburn). If working with your dentist doesn’t get you the results you want, talk to your healthcare provider. If you have any conditions that put you at risk for developing dry mouth, your healthcare provider can help you find the right dry mouth treatments. They can also help you find treatments for reflux if heartburn is what’s causing your bad breath.
Whatever the cause, there are ways to combat bad breath. So if you don’t find an answer at first, keep looking. And make sure to stick to good dental practices, including brushing and flossing.
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