Daily Oral Care Routine to Prevent Bad Breath from Gum Problems

Nobody wants to realise they have bad breath, or worse – hear it from someone else. Bad breath can cause embarrassment and feelings of self-consciousness, but luckily it can often be prevented with a thorough daily oral care routine. This article explains the common causes of bad breath and the daily steps that can keep the breath fresh.

What causes bad breath?

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be caused by a number of things. According to The South African Dental Association (SADA), common causes include:  

• Poor oral hygiene. 
• Gum disease and other oral infections. 
• Spices and strong-smelling foods like garlic and onions. 
• Dry mouth, or a lack of saliva. This is a common medication side effect, and can also be caused by salivary gland disorders, smoking, alcohol, nasal congestion and dehydration. 
• Illnesses like diabetes, reflux or lung disease. 
• Using tobacco (whether chewing or smoking).

How are bad breath and gum problems linked?

Bad breath is most often caused by the same thing as gum disease – poor oral hygiene. 

Every day, a sticky film called plaque starts to accumulate on the teeth. Plaque contains bacteria that can be harmful to the teeth and gums in large numbers. If plaque is not removed with regular brushing and flossing, the bacteria can start to irritate the gum tissue. This can lead to gum disease, a very common infection also known as periodontal disease. 

Plaque bacteria produce strong-smelling compounds that can lead to bad breath. Additionally, as gum disease becomes more advanced, it creates pockets below the gum line that can trap bacteria, dead cells and food debris. These periodontal pockets are difficult to clean with brushing and flossing, and they begin to emit an unpleasant odour as the trapped matter decays. 

The effects of gum disease go beyond bad breath; according to The Oral Hygienists Association of South Africa (OHASA), gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. It is also linked to conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

The good news is that in most cases, gum disease – and the bad breath that comes with it -- can be prevented with excellent daily oral hygiene habits.

What does a good daily oral care routine look like?

One of the most effective ways to improve both breath and gum health is to practice a thorough daily oral hygiene routine. 

Brushing

Teeth should be brushed twice a day, for two minutes each time, with a fluoride toothpaste such as meridol® Toothpaste. 

Specially formulated for gum health, it is made with dual-action amine fluoride and stannous fluoride to neutralise odour-causing plaque bacteria and soothe tender gums. The dual-fluoride formula also prevents new plaque from forming, protecting against bad breath, gum disease and tooth decay. 

A soft-bristled toothbrush should be used for optimal gum health, like the meridol® Soft Toothbrush, which has microfine bristles to clean gently but thoroughly. Light, circular motions should be used, as rough or hard brushing can damage the teeth and gums. 

Flossing

Although brushing is essential, it only cleans 60% of tooth surfaces. Dental floss helps to remove food debris, plaque and bacteria from the hard-to-reach interdental spaces between the teeth, too. 

Flossing should be done at least once a day. There may be some initial tenderness or bleeding, but this should resolve as gum health improves. To prevent injury to the gum tissue, a gentle technique should be used, avoiding sawing or snapping motions. 

For those that find dental floss difficult or intolerable, there are many other interdental cleaning tools available. A dentist can advise on alternatives like dental picks, interdental brushes and water flossers.

Mouthwash

Adding a mouthwash can support fresh breath and healthy gums by cleansing the mouth of any residual bacteria and food debris. However, ingredients like alcohol or SLS should be avoided as they dry out the mouth, creating a favourable environment for the bacteria responsible for bad breath and gum disease. 

meridol® Mouthwash is formulated without these drying ingredients, so it is an excellent choice for gum health and fresh breath. It also contains fluoride, complementing the anti-plaque action of the toothpaste. 

Tongue cleaning

The surface of the tongue has hundreds of tiny, finger-like bumps called papillae, where odour-producing bacteria can hide. For that reason, SADA recommends cleaning the tongue with a toothbrush or tongue scraper every day. They say that studies show tongue cleaning, toothbrushing and flossing together can significantly decrease gum bleeding and reduce bad breath in as little as two weeks. 

Prevention is better than cure

The advantages of preventing gum disease are far greater than fresh breath. In the early stages of gum disease, it can be easily treated and reversed. However, advanced gum disease breaks down gum tissue, connective tissue and bone, and can even cause tooth loss. This damage cannot be reversed, so the best course of action is always to prevent gum disease with meticulous oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups and expert products like those from meridol®.