Foods with strong smells can have a noticeable effect on the scent of your breath. This includes anything that contains cheese, garlic, fish, onion, or a lot of spices. Once these foods have been ingested, no amount of brushing, flossing, or rinsing will get rid of the smell. You will have to wait until your body has fully digested the meal. If you frequently experience spells of bad breath after mealtime, try avoiding such foods and see if the problem goes away.

Certain lifestyle habits can have an affect your breath. Try eating healthier foods and avoiding alcohol or tobacco products. These items are known for having unpleasant effects on your oral health.

Sometimes you may experience chronic bad breath without infection. In these cases, you may need to practice better oral health. Brushing your teeth with an electric toothbrush at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day helps to remove bacteria that produce sulfur compounds, which are often the cause of bad breath. If this does not completely solve the problem, rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash or use a tongue scraper. You should also maintain regular dental visits for professional cleanings.

Chronic and persistent bad breath is often one of the earliest symptoms of gum disease. You may notice this before any other symptoms begin to show. It happens when a buildup of plaque and bacteria has accumulated, which can affect your teeth and gums. If you suspect this to be the cause, contact Drs. Szymanowski about gum disease treatment for Sacramento, CA patients.