Smokers often experience bad breath, also known as halitosis. The unpleasant smell can cause distress and affect your confidence in social and professional situations. The development of bad breath can be attributed to the introduction of harmful chemicals into the mouth by smoking.
The negative effects of smoking on breathing
Smoking has multiple effects on oral health that lead to bad breath.
- Dry mouth – Smoking decreases saliva production. Having a dry mouth can make bad breath worse because saliva is essential for rinsing away food particles and bacteria.
- Bacterial growth – Smoking leads to the growth of bacteria in the mouth. The production of compounds by these bacteria results in bad breath.
- Tar and nicotine deposits – A persistent odour can be created by the accumulation of tar and nicotine deposits from cigarettes on the teeth and tongue.
- Gum disease – This can also cause bad breath and is more common among smokers.
How to prevent bad breath?
- Maintaining good oral hygiene
- Brushing – Make sure to brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. A toothpaste that contains baking soda can aid in the neutralisation of odours. Keep an eye on your tongue as bacteria can build up on its surface.
- Flossing – To remove food particles and plaque that a toothbrush cannot reach, it is recommended to floss daily. Bad breath can be caused by plaque buildup between teeth.
- Mouthwash – An antibacterial mouthwash can be used to eliminate bacteria and neutralise odours. Mouthwashes that contain chlorhexidine or essential oils are especially effective. Stay away from mouthwashes that contain alcohol, as they can dry out the mouth.
- Prevent dry mouth
- Hydration – To keep your mouth moist, drink plenty of water throughout the day. Drinking enough water is necessary to wash away food particles and bacteria.
- Saliva-stimulating products – Sugar-free gum or mints have the ability to stimulate saliva production. Search for products that contain xylitol, because sugar substitutes can also reduce bacteria.
- How to quit smoking?
- Seek support – Seeking support is the most effective way to improve your breath and overall health. It’s worth considering seeking assistance from smoking cessation programs, counselling or medications prescribed by your healthcare provider.
- Regular dental check-ups
- Professional cleanings – Regular visits to the dentist are essential for these cleanings. This can remove tartar buildup that contributes to bad breath.
- Oral health evaluation – Your dentist is able to conduct an oral health evaluation and identify any underlying issues, such as gum disease or tooth decay, that could be causing bad breath.
- Incorporate breath-freshening foods
- Fruits and vegetables – Apples, carrots and celery can help clean teeth and freshen breath. The consumption of these foods leads to an increase in saliva production.
- Herbs – chewing fresh parsley, mint, or basil is a great way to neutralise bad odours because of their high chlorophyll content.
Additional tips
- Tongue hygiene – Bacteria and dead cells can build up on the tongue’s surface, which is why proper teeth hygiene is important. By using a tongue scraper, these deposits can be removed and breath freshness can be improved.
- Oral probiotics – In my studies, I have learnt that oral probiotics are effective in balancing oral bacteria and reducing bad breath. Discuss with the healthcare provider about probiotic options that could be beneficial for oral health.
- Healthy habits – A balanced diet, regular exercise and good sleep are healthy habits that can improve oral health.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine – To avoid dry mouth, it’s important to avoid alcohol and caffeine. Maintaining a moist oral environment can be achieved by reducing their intake.
- Monitoring changes – Keep a watchful eye on any changes in your breath or oral health. In case of bad breath persists, consult with a dentist for further evaluation.
Smoking causes bad breath, and it requires a combination of improving oral hygiene, managing dry mouth and considering lifestyle changes. The most effective method for eliminating bad breath and improving overall health is to quit smoking. By following these comprehensive strategies, you can significantly reduce bad breath and improve your oral health.
